Chateau de Versailles

Written By: Chappell Moore
Edited By: Morgan Miles

The visit to Chateau de Versailles was a worthwhile experience. The palace once belong to Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette the last King and Queen of France. The morning of our excursion was hectic. Once everyone came together we quickly rushed to the Metro already knowing that we’ve missed the exclusive tour of the day. When we finally arrive in Versailles, a small city outside of Paris, the former and formal home to nobles and French Royalty.

Chappell Moore and Donnie Moreland
Hall of Mirrors Chateau de Versailles
Photo Credit: Toniesha Taylor

I stood in front of the golden Palace itching to go in and see the richness of French noble culture. From the Royal Chapel to the Hall of Mirrors your breath is taken away. Our excursion included many delightful rooms filled beautiful art and artifacts, so I quickly ran out of film. Continuing my walk out to the garden I still notice that the grounds of this estate stretched for what seemed like (and are) miles. I took time to have lunch and bask in greatness as minutes turned into hours before I search for Marie Antoinette's Petit-Trinion palace. 

Petit-Trinion was a little hard to find. Dr. Taylor, Donnie and I overlapping our steps several times, but we finally made it. Her house set quiet and alone with no interruptions. It wasn’t full of richness nor wasn’t filled with decorative designs as the King Palace, but it was little hidden treasure. After spending all day at Chateau de Versailles, I left the palace grounds with a since of French history that I would have missed if I had not come. I can truly say that my classmates missed out on this greatest adventure.

"Boundless...."

Written By: Shelly Travis

Edited By: Shelly Travis

We kicked of IMS 2014 Sunday, with a reception at the Bordes’ beautiful home. Their home was filled with beautiful art, furniture and yummy eats. We were able to hear from a group of scholarship students that attend the American University of Paris. Many of their stories were inspiring  and brave. One woman named Chanaye shared her journey that profoundly resonated and connected with me. Chanaye is a filmmaker and photographer from California. She has traveled to many places around the world to document graffiti and the messages that are communicated through them. She has spent many months in Egypt, where many times she feared for her life. Chanaye as well created a film called "Bleached", discussing the topic of skin color and use of bleach in the African American community. Her story resonated with because we first share the common thread of being filmmakers. Secondly, she reminded me how it is my responsibility as a human being to know what is going on and to take action.

She was soft spoken yet so powerful and intentional with what she shared. She shared with me that it is important to question everything and search for the truth. Her story definitely reminded me that I have the freedom to document what I want, regardless of what others think. It is important to stay true to what I believe and be fearless. It is my duty to question, say and do as I feel. I will always remember her words of staying true to myself regardless of what I face. I’m thankful for the opportunity of crossing paths with her, for she has sparked a unique fire within me. Thank you, Chanaye.

"Keep It Simple"

Written By: Shelly Travis

Edited By: Shelly Travis

Harriet Welty Rochefort kicked off our week of sessions speaking about “The Uniqueness of French Cluture”. She compared the cultural differences of the French and Americans. Mrs. Rochefort is a speaker, freelance journalist, former professor of journalism, longtime resident of France and author of “French Toast”, “French Fried” and her lastest “Joie De Vivre”. Mrs. Rochefort was born in America and has now resided in France for 40 years.

One thing that Mrs. Rochefort said that really stuck with me was, “ As Americans we believe in more the merrier, but the French find pleasure in the small things.” This caused me to pose the question to myself, “What do I hold on to in my life that I don’t need, from materialistic to emotional.” I thought about as Americans wanting the biggest portions, or buying in excessiveness, even if we do not need it right now. We don’t typically just buy for right now, we think “ Oh I may need this next year, I’ll go on and get it since it’s on sale.”

I have made a promise to myself to live a simpler life. While in Paris, I felt unrestricted; I could be who I was. There was literally nothing I had to worry about. I didn’t have to worry about driving somewhere, getting gas nor the thought of finding a parking space. I could just go. It was refreshing to “do life” differently for a week. I could get dressed, pick up a light breakfast on my walk to my destination and be done. It’s a healthier and simpler lifestyle. I as well found walking as a stress reliever, when I was feeling overwhelmed or antsy the walk helped me assess and move on. Traveling to Paris was to a degree “therapy & clarity” that I needed to realize what I need to let go and do differently in my life. I realized I am capable of much more and that it’s time to let go of all that is weighing me down and soar to a higher.

Greetings

My name is Chappell Moore a senior mass communication major at Prairie View A&M University. I hope you enjoy our class blog and our experience in Paris, France.

Chappell Moore

John Morris Shares Stories of History and Journalism with Student

John Morris Shares Stories of History and Journalism with Students

By : Donnie Moreland

Edited : Richelle McIntyre

On March 28, 2014, students attending the International Media Seminar attended a presentation by John Morris at his home in Paris, France. John Morris is the former head of Magnum Agency, former senior photo editor for Life Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post and other publications.

John Morris Delivers well received talk
during International Media Seminar
Photo Credit: Toniesha Taylor

            Morris, at 97 years of age, is considered one of the most successful senior news editors of the twentieth century. He spoke to students about his seventy year career as an editor and photographer. Along with his speech, he described the context and origin of the twentieth century’s most recognizable news photographs.

            Students and professors who attended the program were quite pleased with the content of the presentation. “We are witnessing history here. How can you not be amazed" said, junior marketing major at the Oregon Institute of Technology, Austin Chamb. Professor Kristen Livingston, of Missouri Southern State University, was more than ecstatic to know that her students were engaged with John Morris’s presentation. “I am incredibly lucky to know that my students witnessed this today. They will probably be talking about Mr. Morris for weeks,” she said.

            To find out more about John Morris’s life and accomplishments, check out his book, “Get the Picture: A Personal History of Photojournalism.”

The Fashion Scene with McQueen

By: Halle Garrus

Edited by: Capra Fellows

 

“Give me Time and I’ll give you a Revolution.” Alexander McQueen

During the International Media Seminar we had the pleasure of having Madeleine Czigler who is a fashion and culture journalist in addition to teaching courses at AUP. It was very exciting to have the opportunity to listen and learn from someone who has been in the field in which I wish to have a career.

Her presentation consisted of a video of an interview she conducted with the brilliant and irreplaceable Alexander McQueen about 10 years ago. In this video you can see that depression and self-destruction were clearly and quite visibly an issue. This behavior is what can be contributed to his death back in 2010 when the world of fashion lost the young legend to suicide. McQueen was and will always be a legend to the world of fashion. McQueen had what anyone would call a humble life growing up he was the youngest of six children. McQueen’s love of fashion started early, he even started making dresses for his three older sisters at a young age.

McQueen was and still is known for his controversial, outlandish designs, but I believe, I’m sure along with many others that it’s the reason he leaves a profound legacy. After his death, in 2011 the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City put on Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. The exhibit examines the breadth of the designer’s career from when he first started his label to the now world -renowned fashion house. I was lucky enough to visit this breathtaking presentation of McQueen’s imaginative work. I could see the highly sophisticated narrative structures that bring his ideas of class sexuality, religion, and environment in which he comprises all to display his extravagant runway shows. As I was in the middle of the exhibit watching a hologram of a woman go from a white ball and come together piece by piece along with one of McQueen’s striking dress designs. I then understood that the shows that so echoed avant-garde installation and performance art are what make McQueen a legend. I don’t know if their will ever be another like him but do hope there will be because it’s designers like McQueen who are prime example of taking risks and watching them pay off in a beautiful yet tragic way that make the world of fashion such an indulgence and who knows maybe we will have another “fashion revolution.”

One World of Inspiration

By: Halle Garrus

Edited by: Capra Fellows

During the International Media Seminar Roger Hobby who is a consultant on Social Media for the OECD (Organization for Economic Corporation and Development), started off his presentation by describing what it is that the OECD does. The OECD is an organization whose mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic well-being of people around the world. The organization is that provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems. Social Media is one way that we can help bring awareness to everyday problems people experience around the world.

To show us exactly how Social Media brings attention to problems we experience on a global scale, Roger used something that we all know best to be viral videos. These are commonly found on YouTube and spread through places like twitter and Facebook.  For example he used the biggest summer hit in history, Carly Ray Jepson’s Call Me Maybe. This one video has over 500 million views on YouTube and that’s just the official video. Roger then showed the group the parody’s that had been made famous by ordinary people just like you and I. These included people videoing themselves singing along to the catchy hit or even a split screen of man dressed in women’s swim wear and dance outfits made up his own dance moves and definitely got the attentions of unexpected audience members while doing so. Even the 2012 US Olympic swim team got involved making their famous video parody. Nonetheless this goes to show you just how powerful Media really is. After having a laugh at some of the video’s we were shown, Roger turned the tables a bit to a video of a person who had a simple message written in marker on his hand “One World.” This individual then asked that viewers post their responses to this video. It created a chain reaction with people from all over the globe writing inspiring messages to share with those who need them most. Some just consisted of single words while others were small phrases; laugh, truth, be you, you are not alone and carpe diem, just to name a few. The point was to see how powerful a message can be even if it is one individual one word is proven to go a long way.

Photo Credit: Toniesha Taylor

After watching the impact of Social Media projects had on the world it was our turn to make our own. We were divided into teams and were able to create our own social media campaigns for the different projects we were given. This workshop was definitely an eye-opening experience. A lot of the time we blame Social Media for what is put out for the world to see but we have to remember we are the ones putting the message out there no matter if it’s good or bad.