Anne Frank Project Write-Up

For our (Ah Ihn, Jed, and I) project we had to design and create a commercial or short film spreading Anne’s hopeful message of peace. For a more detailed explanation of our project please visit this website.

General Questions

How are symbols, images, and sounds and other conventions used in visual media?
Symbols, images, sounds, and other conventions are used in visual media to increase the emotional feelings in the audience. These include making them cry, feel jubilant, or utterly irritated. Conventions are usually used together in synchronization. They will work together to express an overall mood. By using these conventions as a collection, they can create overwhelming feelings which will cause the visual part of the experience to be fully successful.

What are the ways in which image-makers carefully construct meaning?
Image-makers carefully construct meaning by using symbols, images, sounds, and other conventions in harmony. Image makers will only combine conventions of the same emotion together. For example, they won’t mix a happy picture with a sad song. Image-makers will also use text to enforce the meaning of the visual.

How are techniques used in visual media to influence or appeal to a particular audience?
Many different techniques can be used in visual media to influence or appeal to a particular audience. For instance, if you’re trying to create an eye catching movie, you’d use happy and loud music with bright pictures. Also, common symbols might be used such as the dove to show that the movie is about peace.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Knowledge – Describe the symbols, images, and sounds you used to complete your projecta
In our short presentation, we used many symbols. We used the Star of David, the Swastika, and the earth surrounded by barb wire. We also used clouds with a sun coming out and a swing with a person pushing two other people. Finally, we also used a butterfly, a meadow, and the tattoo from the concentration camp. The images that we used were of Anne’s family’s life before the war began. We also used pictures of their hiding place and the cattle cars. Finally, we used pictures of their concentration camps, the gravestone of Anne and Morgot, and a meadow. The sound effects we used were birds, screams, trains, guns, and creaks. We also used songs There She Goes by Six Pence None the Richer, Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall, and Where is the Love by Black Eyed Peas. The other convention that we used was text. We mostly used quotes from Anne’s diary that are the most meaningful and significant.

Comprehension – Discuss how these symbols, images, and sounds carefully construct meaning
We used the Star of David to show how the Jews were labeled by the Nazis. The Star of David also represents the number seven, the six points and the middle. To the Jews, the number seven had religion connections. For instance, the six days of creation plus the seven days of rest. The Jews also had seven spirits of god, and the Jewish Menorah has seven oil lamps. We used the Swastika because it shows that the Nazis were involved and civilized since they had their own symbol. The picture of the earth surrounded by barbwire shows that more or less the entire planet being involved in the war and the constriction of the Jews. We used the sun symbol to show the hope that the Jews had of returning to their normal lives. This shows hope because it shows the sun emerging from behind the clouds as if there is newfound hope. It also shows that no matter what, there will always be that one person like Anne who is always hopeful. We used the swing symbol to show the freedom that was finally returned to the Jews after the war and the peace that was restored. Furthermore, this shows the teamwork of others around the world to help the Jews in the war since the middle person is pushing the other two. The butterfly symbolizes the beauty of the world and nature. The meadow symbolizes freedom and independence. The tattoo from the concentration camps showed the Jews that they’ll never leave the camp. It also showed the Jews that they had been marked with which slaves are branded. The pictures before the war show how cheerful people were before the destruction such as the picture of Anne with all of her friends. The pictures of the train and concentration camps show what hardships had to be taken on by the Jews. An example of such a picture is the photograph of all of the Jews that have already died. The creaking of the door was used is meant to symbolize the opening of the war and the capture of the people at the secret annex. The trains and screaming sounds show the transportation used and the chaos that occurred. The bird sound shows the freedom and joy of nature. The first song is a happy song since it shows the wonderful life before the war. The second song’s lyrics tell about Anne. “And everything around her is a silver pool of light. The people who surround her feel the benefit of it.” These show Anne’s jubilant personality and how it is passed to others. The last song describes the war. “People killing people dying. Children hurtin you hear them crying. Can you practice what you preach? Would you turn the other cheek? Father Father Father help us. Send some guidance from above. Nations dropping bombs. Chemical gases filling lungs of little ones. With ongoing suffering. As the youth die young.” These lines truly show the war and what was done during those few atrocious years. Finally, the quotes that we used from the book were meant to teach people of Anne’s high spirited and positive personality.

Application – Explain how these symbols, images, and sounds will influence or appeal to your audience.
These symbols, images, and sounds should cause the audience to become sad, angry, and happy. They should be sad because of all the killing that has occurred only 67 years ago. Additionally, the pictures of the concentration camps and tattoo should remind people of all the inhumane events that have occurred. The music will also add to this effect. However, some people might be angry instead of sad. This depends on the audience since some will be sorry for the Jews whereas others might be furious with the Nazis. The audience should be happy at the beginning and towards the end. The reason for this is because at the start, it shows the terrific times that the Jews had before the war. Towards the end, it shows the freedom that was returned to the Jews after the liberation of the camps and the way everyone helped the Jews. Moreover, the sounds of birds chirping should give everyone a blissful feeling.

Analysis – Compare the symbols, images, and sounds you chose. Which are the most powerful? Why?
The Star of David shows the main victims of the war, and the Swastika shows their persecutors, which are the exact opposite. Another difference in symbols is that the usual symbol for peace is a dove, but we used a swing with people because it shows the happiness that all children have in them. Additionally, The first song is happy and shows the peaceful times before the war; however, the last song shows the war and hate between the Jews and Nazis. Finally, the pictures before and after the war have definite differences. Before everyone is playful and joyous; however, during the war, everyone is gloomy and beginning to lose hope. In terms of similarity, the swing symbol and meadow both show the freedom that the Jews are longing to receive. Furthermore, barbwire is often used to show restriction the same way that we used it. We thought that the sun symbol, tattoo, and the song Where is the Love were the most powerful. We thought that the sun symbol was a strong sign of hope since it’s a bright colored picture, and the sun coming out from under the cloud looks like newborn hope. The tattoo was an authoritative symbol because it was a label on Jews that could never be removed and showed that they were the slaves and would never leave the camp. We liked the song because those specific lines really summed up the war and what was happening in Europe at the time.

Evaluation – Summarize and grade the final product and the process to accomplish this task.
For this project, we feel that we should about a B+. This is because overall, we did a pretty good job of going through Bloom’s Taxonomy and creating our project, but we feel it could have been better. The process that was taken to accomplish this task is as follows. First, we talked about the two choices of projects and decided which one we would do as a group. Then we were all meant to find some pictures, but the amount that each person found in the end varied. We then discussed some possible symbols we could use and decided on which ones we would actually use for our project. Then we were meant to meet up over the weekend, but only Adrian and Jed did. They picked the music and arranged the slides. Adrian then completed the PowerPoint, and he and Jed met up again to work on the write-up together.

ESLRs

In our group, we were Effective Communicators because we listened respectfully and asked questions to facilitate understanding and achieve insight. For example, when we began, people were talking over others and interrupting them. Group members were also “shhh-ing” others when they talked. However, we don’t do this as much anymore and can listen and work together much better.

While doing this project we also solved problems using a variety of strategies which makes us a Critical Thinker. When we first got together, we wanted to do the short film, but none of us had iMovie or any other Mac-friendly program. So, instead of doing the memorial, we decided to use PowerPoint to create our film instead.

During this project, we demonstrated the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, making us Academic Achievers. This is because at school, we would work together to decide who would do what for homework. When we went home, everyone did some work and brought it back to school so that we could work on it together. This way, we worked by ourselves and together to get things done.

Jed and Adrian demonstrated the use of being a Self-Directed Learner since we showed competency in goal setting, time management, and organizational skills. This is because we set up times to meet up and we didn’t leave the project to last the minute. We also didn’t waste time when we were working on the project out of school.

Finally, we were all Involved Citizens because we interacted respectfully with people of diverse cultures. No one made fun of some one else in our group because they were from a different culture. Even though we were dealing with a topic that could create arguments between people of different nations, there were no quarrels everyone respected each other.

Cooperation

In our group, Adrian and Jed did most of the work. Adrian found most of the pictures, and he created the actual show by putting the pictures and music together. Additionally, Adrian did the sound effects. Jed found some of the pictures, and he came up with two symbols, and he drew all three. He and Adrian decided on the music and order of slides together. Furthermore, Jed and Adrian did the write-up together. Adrian and Jed met up twice out of school to do the project. Ah Ihn found six pictures, but only one was used since she gave it to us very late in the project, and she came up with one symbol. We invited her over to our house so that we could work together out of school, but she didn’t want to come, and since we couldn’t force her, she didn’t come. Ah Ihn didn’t really do that much in this project.

Opinions, Opinions, Opinions

“I don’t think my opinions are stupid and others do; so it is better to keep them to myself.” – Anne Frank

What are your thoughts about sharing opinions? Do you agree with Anne, that it is best to keep your opinions to yourself because no one will understand them, or is important to share them nonetheless? Write a letter to Anne explaining to her whether you agree or disagree with her and explain your answer. For more information go to the prompt.

Dear Anne,

I personally believe that opinions should be shared with others because it is always healthy to express yourself. Additionally, you have to express yourself in some way since you can’t keep everything bottled up inside you, and you do this by writing to your diary, Kitty. I feel that this isn’t such a good idea and I would have to disagree with you mostly.

In your situation, I believe that communicating your thoughts has its ups and downs. The main disadvantage which you have discussed numerous times is that opinions usually cause arguments and conflicts in the “secret annexe”. I find that even though this may be true, there are still some benefits which could make it all worthwhile.

For example, by sharing viewpoints you get to know each other better and it creates a healthy atmosphere where you can discuss beliefs and why you think they’re right. However, this probably wouldn’t work so well in the “secret annexe” since everyone is so uptight. Maybe if you could get others to just relax a little more the mood wouldn’t be so gloomy and tense. Just get your roommates to accept others’ thoughts and not always believe that they’re right and everyone else is wrong. If this can be accomplished then it’ll probably allow everyone to be much more open to new ideas, thus solving the major problem with expressing thoughts, the arguments and conflicts. Furthermore, others will no longer think your ideas are stupid since they can now see it from your point of view. Just don’t forget that that you’re talking about opinions, and they’re just your personal belief on a subject and there is no right or wrong, so it shouldn’t be something to argue over.

The next point that I’d like to express is that even if others think that your thoughts are stupid, you should still share them no matter what. The reason for this is that everyone is entitled to an opinion. Moreover, I find that your feelings on what is happening around you and to you are not at all stupid. Even if others don’t understand them, at least discuss and explain them so that hopefully the community around you will appreciate your input and ideas. I can only think of one reason why you should keep your thoughts to Kitty and yourself, and that is if the result of communicating your opinions causes you to be unbearably upset or uncomfortable.

I think that to get the people around you to take you and your ideas more seriously, you should try to be mature and reasonable. Furthermore, I think that you should fully believe in your opinions so that when others think differently you can stand up and give reasons. This will probably help make the others around you see you as a young woman and adult rather than an imbecilic child.

Overall, I believe that you should share your thoughts since they most certainly are not foolish. In addition, it doesn’t matter whether others disagree with your opinion since not everyone in the world will have the same view as you. Try not to get too discouraged if people don’t understand and just try to be mature about it. Finally, share your opinion at all times unless it makes you uncomfortable.

Best of Luck,

Adrian

How My Life Relates to Anne Frank’s

While reading The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, I noticed a few that some of her thoughts are similar to my own and I can relate to her situation, but we do have some differences. I noticed some of these in her diary entry on November 7^th, 1942 (page 43 to 46). Anne discusses how her parents are treating her differently from her older sister Margot. Additionally, she talks about how this makes her feel and what she thinks of her parents.

One similarity that I found was that both Anne and I feel that our parents are always going against us in arguments against our siblings. Anne explains that her parents hardly ever scold Margot, but instead Anne is regularly getting into trouble with them. When Anne was describing a time when there had been a squabble between her and her sister, both her parents were siding with Margot. Anne wrote, “ It so happened I was neither offended nor cross, just miserable.” I sort of understand what Anne is getting at. Although I don’t have an older sister, I do have a younger brother; however, it’s still pretty much the same situation. Many a time my brother and I have fought and argued, but whenever this happens, my parents will usually stand with my little brother and make me the one who’s in the wrong. Since this is always happening, I too occasionally feel upset and unwanted.

Another topic that Anne discusses that I can relate to is the difference between the ways that her parents treat her from day to day. Anne wrote, “My treatment varies so much. One day Anne is so sensible and is allowed to know everything; and the next day I hear that Anne is just a silly little goat who doesn’t know anything at all and imagines that she’s learned a wonderful lot from books.” In my life, I don’t have the exact same problem, but my parents can sometimes look at me from a very different point of view. My parents will sometimes treat me like I’m the most horrible person in the world one day, but the next, I’m the kindest and most polite. I find that it all depends on how well we get along when I get back from school. If things go smoothly without arguments, then for the rest of the day, I’ll be looked upon as a fine son. However, if we get into any sort of quarrel or something of that kind, then there’ll be some sort of tension, and I’ll become the exact opposite in their mind.

Finally, I found that we had a few differences which were the ways we see our parents. Anne sees her mother as a bad-tempered person who has failed her role in the family. “Mummy is frightfully irritable and that always seems to herald unpleasantness for me.” and “I only look at her as a mother, and she just doesn’t succeed in being that to me; I have to by my own mother.” are some of the ways that Anne describes her mother. In contrast, Anne is very close to her father and they share a very special connection. Anne says, “ He is the one I look up to. I don’t love anyone in the world but him.” Personally, I feel that the way she describes her mother is exceptionally harsh and bold. However, in my own life I find that this is untrue for me because I believe that my mother has done a tremendous job even though she, like others, has her faults. In addition, I love everyone in my family just as much, unlike Anne who is much closer to her father. Furthermore, I look up to both of my parents equally, and I believe they are both doing a great job. In conclusion, Anne and I both have similarities and differences in the way we see the members of our family.

Memories or Dresses?

We have begun reading The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank in English class. In the book, Anne briefly discusses some things that she would bring with her to a place she knows nothing of. Picture yourself in Anne Frank’s situation. Your parents have just told you to pack a small bag of your possessions as you will be going somewhere. However, you have no clue how long you’ll be staying there or where it is you’re going. What would be the few personal items that you would take along? For a more detailed description please visit Memories or Dresses.

Of course I’d bring the usual necessities such as clothes, but I’d also take other objects with me. One of the items that I’d carry with me would have to be a camera. This is so that I can record and document whatever happens while we are in this secret place. This way, if I come across any situations that I believe are worth keeping or remembering I can simply take a photo.

The second possession I’d bring would be some of my favorite books. When I say books, I don’t just mean books that are my reading level. I’m also talking about books that were read to me or I read when I was a child such as classics like Dr. Seuss. The reason why I’d take along these few favored books is so that I can read, enjoy, and pass the time with the books that are more my reading level. However, I’d take the books that I read when I was younger so that I’ll be constantly reminded of all the memorable times I shared with my parents and the books.

The next object that I’d pack would have to be some family photos and yearbooks that I’ve collected since I started going to school. The photos are once again to remind me of all the unforgettable and wonderful times with my family. The yearbooks are meant to remind me of the past; however, these will help me recall the memorable experiences I shared with my friends. Furthermore, the reason why I’d take these two items is so that I can remember what life was like before we went to this place.

The final object that I would bring with me would be a notepad and some pens or pencils. The reason why I’d bring these is so that if I’m ever bored or have some free time I can do different kinds of writings such as creative writings and journals. Additionally, I could do some sketches or doodles, but I’m sure there are many more activities that can be performed with just a pencil and paper such as a modified game of Pictionary.

These are the few possessions that I believe are the most important and meaningful to me that I would pack in my small bag to take to this unknown place. Below are pictures of some of the items that I would bring.

Pictures:

Camera

Books

Notepad, Pencils, and Pens

What is Courage to Me?

Courage is a term with many definitions and meanings, and these differ among each individual. I personally believe that courage is the ability to perform an action that you are uncomfortable with no matter what the circumstances are. It doesn’t matter if most others consider it a simple task. All that matters is that you are doing something that is personally challenging and tests your limits. This could be anything from a simple canopy walk to a perilous journey through a jungle. I believe that courage is one of the most crucial traits of mankind. I feel this way because without courage, every time someone runs into a situation that they find to be frightening, they would just back out of it. If this did happen, then today’s world would be very different. What would happen if no one dared journey to space and set foot on the moon, or if no one dared stand up against the Nazi’s? Of course there would probably be a few people who aren’t terrified of these situations, but there wouldn’t be nearly enough to make a difference. Overall, I feel that courage is an essential part of humans that allow us to accomplish almost anything even if it makes us scared or uncomfortable.