I’m Already There

Country music is known for its abilities to tell stories in their songs.  Most songs have metaphors in them but are pretty common in country songs.  One of my favorite country artists, Lonestar, makes a good use of metaphors in his song called “I’m Already There.”  The song is about a man who is away from his family because he is in the war. He calls his wife to hear her say she loves him but then hears their kids in the background playing and it brings tears to his eyes, meaning that he misses his family. His daughter gets on the phone and asks when he is coming home, meaning he is missed in return.  He answers his daughters question by saying “Take a look around. I’m the sunshine in your hair. I’m the shadow on the ground” to let her know he is there in spirit even though he is not physically there. In the next verse he says “I’m the whisper in the wind. I’m your imaginary friend,” yet another metaphor. They both know that in reality he isn’t any of those things, they just like to think that because they miss each other and he wants her to know he will always be there.  When his wife gets back on the phone she tells him “But I know that I'll be in your dreams tonight,” meaning that she knows that she is in his thoughts. In the later verse he tells her “I’m the beat in your heart,” symbolizing the love that they share which is a feeling that can never be removed whether he is there or not. He may be thousands of miles away but he will be with his family where ever they are because of the love they have for each other. The title “I’m Already There” represents the emotional feeling of his presence and the metaphors in the song help accomplish what that feeling is.

I'm Already There Lyrics
Songwriters: Myers, Frank; Baker, Gary; McDonald, Richie;

He called her on the road from a lonely cold hotel room
Just to hear her say, "I love you one" more time
But when he heard the sound
Of the kids laughin' in the background

He had to wipe away a tear from his eye
A little voice came on the phone
Said, "Daddy when you comin' home?"
He said the first thing that came to his mind

I'm already there
Take a look around
I'm the sunshine in your hair
I'm the shadow on the ground

I'm the whisper in the wind
I'm your imaginary friend
And I know, I'm in your prayers
Oh I'm already there

She got back on the phone
Said, "I really miss you darlin'"
"Don't worry about the kids they'll be alright
Wish I was in your arms, lyin' right there beside you"

"But I know that I'll be in your dreams tonight
And I'll gently kiss your lips
Touch you with my fingertips
So turn out the light and close your eyes"

I'm already there
Don't make a sound
I'm the beat in your heart
I'm the moonlight shinin' down

I'm the whisper in the wind
And I'll be there 'til the end
Can you feel the love that we share?
Oh I'm already there

We may be a thousand miles apart
But I'll be with you wherever you are

I'm already there
Take a look around
I'm the sunshine in your hair
I'm the shadow on the ground

I'm the whisper in the wind
And I'll be there 'til the end
Can you feel the love that we share?
Oh I'm already there
Oh I'm already there

I'm Already There by Lonestar

Proactiv

When the word proactive is mentioned many people’s first thought that comes to mind might be acne or an acne solution or even Jessica Simpson. The original meaning of proactive, which many people seem to forget, means to act in advance to deal with an expected change or difficulty, taking charge of situations, or to take action before something happens. We associate the word proactive with acne because of the phenomenal acne solution called “Proactiv” that is advertised everywhere and anywhere. You can find Proactiv products in the mall, constantly being advertised on television programs, and in magazine ads. Proactiv also uses a famous celebrity to be the spokes model and face of their product, Jessica Simpson, making Proactive more memorable and famous itself. So other than acne, Proactiv is associated with Jessica Simpson as well. Proactiv has two well known representations of its product through the help of media.

The meaning of the word proactive has a strong relation to the Proactiv product as well.  It can be said that Proactiv’s name derives from the meaning of the word.  The intentions of the Proactiv acne solution is to clear and prevent acne before it has a chance to happen. By using Proactiv, you are being proactive, making a difference and putting a stop to acne.  The brand name Proactiv, also known as their logo, has intentionally used the meaning to represent its line. The company has just spelled the word differently so they could make their own mark.  There are so many mediums now in which to market your product from infomercials to regular commercials to mainstream distribution in stores and vending machines. They have become successful because they have marketed themselves with iconic images and have a proven track record. The name and how well the product works are just as important as the symbol and celebrity endorsement.  Jessica Simpson is the proof of Proactiv’s success and by using a celebrity the product has more of an appeal to consumers.

Proactive has successfully cornered the niche market for small blemishes to full breakouts because they have used Jessica Simpson’s celebrity endorsement, a recognized name, logo and branding which has ultimately produced a successful and well-renowned product.

All Faces Matter

With respect to war and conflict, America has always taken great steps to protect the identity, dignity and integrity of American victims of war; however, the same cannot be said of America’s treatment of the victims of our opposition. Regarding the Pain of Others makes it apparent that “[…] photographs of anonymous Americans casualties had appeared in a number of news-magazines, always prone or shrouded or with their faces turned away” (Sontag 70).  The way these photographs were taken assured that the faces of these casualties were not seen. Photographs are taken this way to conceal the victim’s identity and to be considerate of the family members and close ones to the victim. For instance, images from September 11, 2001 broadcasted on the news gave an overview of the disaster but the camera did not focus in on people’s faces. Some pictures that were taken by amateurs near the scene at the time of the event were posted on the internet and had to be taken off because they revealed the faces of the Americans and many of the loved ones of the victims were hurt by the images.  Regarding the Pain of Others recognizes that “This is a dignity not thought necessary to accord to others” (70).  The faces of victims not from this country, the “others”, are usually displayed in news magazines and the television. Sympathy for the others and their families are not taken into account as they are when it comes to our side. For example, in Clint Eastwood’s historical film, Letters from Iwo Jima, when the American soldiers landed on the shorelines of the island, the Japanese shot at them but none of the Americans faces were in the camera’s shot. Even though it was just a movie, the film did not show the individual faces of the Americans when they were all being attacked or when they were dead. When the camera did a shot over the beach where all the dead American soldiers laid none of their faces were in focus. The Japanese’s faces on the other hand were all shown which is ironic because the movie is supposed to represent their side. When the Americans were blowing them up with fire torches or when the Japanese committed suicide, their deaths were shown along with the aftermath including their faces.