Some
days ago I met John Wooden. There is a quote[1]
within "his" gym in UCLA campus that I see I' m on the treadmill
which encouraged me to find out about his history and philosophy. Perhaps it is America, the place where one
is most motivated to be a leader and the country which has had the most
famous leaders. I am not surprised by the fan phenomenon that exists around the entire industry that drives Hollywood.
I'm
not just talking about movies but about singers and artists in general. Souvenir and legendary music stores like
Amoeba[2]
are full of objects inspired by them. As I read a few days ago in Bruin
Newspaper[3],
vinyl is really selling as a result of marketing and not enjoyment. The ego
satisfaction of having. It would be a much more fulfilling experience to
appreciate it by using it.
It's
curious to me how a well-known Chinese cinema
theater in the middle of such a big boulevard is empty on a Friday night while
at the same time there are other areas packed with homeless people. That's how
cities are: full of contrasts. Far from fear but from caution (women always
have to have a plan B to escape places. taking an UBER last night helped a
friend and me a lot). I wonder what the city really does for them and what it
doesn't. I don't know what will happen
when the next Olympic games arrives. I don't know if anything would
improve in the reality of the sub-neighborhoods.
Regarding
cultural differences with Spain, I have continued to observe personal space and
the lack of hugs as well as the absence of saying good morning when someone
enters the elevator. In Spain when you bump into someoone in small spaces people
usually have a small conversation (about the weather, where they are going or
comment on some news).
UCLA and other brands constantly
promote the feeling of belonging to a group. Unlike in Spain, where is not
common to wear a sweatshirt from your university, here it is a must. Being from the
educational sector and considering something to be proud of, UCLA somehow
makes people proud of being students. There
is a constant reinforcement of identity as a group but in a very different
way than the Dodgers or Lakers do.
Regarding
campus daily life, in general, it is very quiet. I have gotten used to working
in different study rooms and I continue to discover what places and at what
times to be in one place or another. I
don't feel like I'm missing anything outside during the week on campus. I like
that my notes are in both languages: English and Spanish. I understand more
and more the script of American movies based on university times. How they
are shown and how we outsiders interpret them is far from reality. I am
happy and gratefull enjoying watching the movie from within.
[1] “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you
there.” John Wooden.
[2] Amoeba Music. 6200 Hollywood Blvd, Los
Angeles, CA 90028
Acceda rápidamente a otras entradas sobre UCLA o haga clic aquí para ir a la página principal.
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario
Gracias por enviar tu comentario!!
Comenta, vota y comparte todo lo que quieras :)