Christmas is coming

Christmas is just around the corner full of good wishes, food, lights, presents etc, but we often forget the real meaning of Christmas and that lots of people can't or just really don't feel like celebrating it. 
I have chosen some quotes and a video by John Lennon to give you some food for thought. 

1. What do you think Churchill meant with "a season of reflection?

2.  Some people don't consider politically correct to wish Merry Christmas to others and they just wish "happy holidays" or "happy season" Do you agree?  

3.  Do you think Christmas is getting "too commercial" nowadays? 

Some people can't celebrate Christmas for different reasons and we shoud dedicate some time to think about them. 
This is what John Lennon and Yoko Ono did when they wrote and sang this special Christmas song in 1971. 
Happy Xmas ( War is Over) was performed with the Harlem Community Choir and it  was also a protest song against the Vietnam War.
As a peace activist, Lennon said when he wrote the song: "I understand what you have to do: Put your political message across with a little honey."
 The video, released in 1990, includes images of their billboard campaign against war all over the world, with their son Sean and the choir. This song has had lots of covers by different artists.

You can see the lyrics here with an activity to complete. Worksheet
Another version of the video was released later with hard images of the war 

 Happy Christmas and New Year to everyone!

Keep calm and use good grammar

Some weeks ago I watched a funny video (thanks Paul Kelly for sharing) by "Weird Al" Yankovic called "Word Crimes" this video is a parody of the song " Blurred lines" by Robin Thicke and was recorded in 2013. 
All Yankovic is really concerned about proper use of grammar and has campaigned against bad use in songs, posters, ads and social media. He considers himself a "grammar nerd"

In this video he mocks on line commenters, misspelling, abuse of numbers instead of letters, language on SMS, punctuation etc. 

 Watch the video and write down as many mistakes which are mentioned as you can.  

A WORTHY AD

I have come across a viral ad that I consider worthy to share and talk about with my students.
It an advertisement from Swedish Railways (SJ) by TBWA\Stockholm which challenges gender roles with Paul's transformative journey.

1. Can you describe what you saw? 
2. What is the main purpose of the ad? 
3. Why do you think this video has gone viral? 
4. How does it make you feel? 


"Whoever you are, wherever you want to go, for the bigger journeys and the small, SJ will be there for you" this is the main message of the campaign. Would you travel with them?

Women for Women

On December 9th, 2016 Madonna was regarded Best Woman of the Year at  Billboard Awards. 
It wasn't something new for her as she is used to getting all kinds of awards all along her 34 years as an entertainer, but this was a special one to be cited. 
When she got on stage to receive her award she stood in a man-like  position and gave a powerful speech.

She talked about misogyny, abuse, sexism and feminism. We found an unusual Madonna who almost broke into tears remembering long ago sufferings. 
I want to highlight some of the things she said about the following and give some food for thought. 

MISOGYNY AND SEXISM

“I stand before you as a doormat… Oh, I mean, as a female entertainer"

What do you think she wanted to say about being " a doormat"?

 “Thank you for acknowledging my ability to continue my career for 34 years in the face of blatant sexism and misogyny and constant bullying and relentless abuse.”

"If you’re a girl, you have to play the game. You’re allowed to be pretty and cute and sexy. But don’t act too smart. Don’t have an opinion that’s out of line with the status quo" 

What happens if you have an out-of-line opinion or you don't play the game? 

 

"To age is a sin"

Why are women rejected in some jobs when they age?

"Women do not have the same freedom as men.” 

"Women have been so oppressed for so long, they believe what men have to say about them,” “They believe they have to back a man to get the job done.”

  Why would you back a man or a woman? In what ways?

WOMEN HATING/HELPING OTHER WOMEN

“Be what men want you to be, but more importantly, be what women feel comfortable with you being around other men"

What do you think she means with this last sentence?

"As women, we have to start appreciating our own worth and each other’s worth. Seek out strong women to befriend, to align yourself with, to learn from, to collaborate with, to be inspired by, to support, and enlightened by.”

Why is this so important? 

This year the International theme is  #BeBoldforChange to help forge a better world- a more inclusive, gender equal world

To celebrate  woman's Day this year I've chosen two videos I hope you like 

A beatiful song by Alicia Keys "Superwoman" (2007) 

and another one as a tribute to George Michael who passed away on December 25th "Freedom" (1990).

They talk about being yourself and don't care about others' opinions on you. It's like Madonna said in her speech: you have to fit a stereotype or an image to be counted.