Be You

BE YOU DESPITE THE DRAMA is the kind of attitude hip-hop artist Nas has embraced and the kind of attitude that has allowed me to voice my political concerns.

When my fellow Rock the Trail reporters asked whether or not I considered myself a political person, I didn’t hesitate to say no. They then asked me to discuss issues that I am really concerned about. When I ran through my list of high concerns - racial profiling, gang violence, the economy- I was proven that I was wrong; I AM POLITICAL!

Most of my peers have allowed the “hype” of certain political issues to define politics. They're tired of hype and they've tuned out. But politics aren't just about war, health care, and who is running for president. Politics cover all the issues that affect your well-being as a citizen of the United States-- issues that Nas points out through his music.

Nas is one of very few entertainers that sparked a political fire in me. His songs speak truth about issues America doesn’t talk about. He gives a voice to the powerless and he puts issues out there for us to grasp, educate ourselves and make a change.

To me, Nas will be remembered as an historical figure who sought change in America through rap. Yeah, that may be a very extreme or bold statement, but it’s my personal opinion. An opinion that has led me to confirm that I can voice how I feel and encourage you to do the same: despite the drama, be you.

"American Teen" at the L.A. Film Festival

..."American Teen' is more than a documentary about high school; it is the high school experience."- Paste

Being categorized in high school as a "Geek," a "Jock," the "Heartthrob," the "Rebel," or the "Queen Bee," is something we have all seen in our high school experiences, and in most cases these classifications are inevitable. Most of us would want to grow out of these stereotypes and face reality outside of high school. But sometimes you can't escape the wrath of socialization. Thus you are left with what people are trying to escape from- a part of the rest of their life.

But this was not the plan that Hannah Bailey, who played the " Rebel" on American Teen, had. She wanted to get out there and make a difference in what she wanted to do; what made her happy." You really have to do what you love," Bailey states," you can't always worry about what others have said about you." Her senior year experience was different, along with costars Megan, Jake, Mitch, and Colin.

Throughout the film you could see the pressure that not only was put on them in school, but also the pressure formulated at home as well. Colin Clemens, who portrayed the typical "Jock," struggled to please his dad when it came down to preparing for college sports. He was the star of the Warsaw Basketball team. With incredible skill, Colin Clemens went through a tough roller-coaster of a senior year of high school. After the experience of being part of "American Teen" he states, "Since the film was filmed in this generation, most of us can relate to it. Who you were in high school or who you still are." He also states that, '' stereotypes are pretty much branded upon you depending on what you do." Co-star Megan Krizmanich, who plays the teen "Princess" went through similar pressures. Those pressures included coping with the anxiety and stress of getting into Notre Dame since multiple members of her family were Notre Dame alumni. She is now in her third year at Notre Dame.

Meanwhile, Jake Tusing and Mitch Reinholt are both totally different from one another. Jake plays the "Geek" and Mitch plays the role of the "Heartthrob." But, during their senior year of high school they both take what they believe to be well-calculated risks. Mitch takes a "social risk" as he discovers he has a crush on Hannah Bailey, the "Rebel." The two dated throughout their senior year of high school. However, due to peer pressure the relationship did not succeed. Also, just as Mitch is crowned Prom King, reality takes its course as stereotypes fall into play once again. He states that, " I really don't like the fact the people stereotype other people just maybe to make themselves feel better, but they are always going to be around and that is something we have to deal with." Jake Tusing demonstrated that no one should give up even if no one knows who you are. His message to all the fans out there is that society needs to get away from stereotypes and that people can't be afraid of who they are.

In high school, I was always known as a well-rounded individual because I just never really had a clique. I had a little bit of everything. I was a "Geek" because I was captain of the debate team. I was well-known because I was in the Student Government. I was a "Rebel" because I liked to think outside the box. People at my school had their cliques and I was not exclusively part of any of them because I wanted to live a life filled of decisions that I ultimately made on my own.

Those who attended the screening of "American Teen" at the L.A. Film Festival in Los Angeles, California, left with a reality check. With applauds and cheers, I can honestly say that "American Teen" was a success at the L.A. Film Festival.

Donny Hathaway and the year 2025

Soul singer Donny Hathaway is the reason I spell my name with a "y" and not an "ie." His songs reflect a lot of the troubles I go through while still making me feel hopeful. He deals with fear, acceptance, death, faith – things that aren't just on my mind, but on the minds of many young people. He sings and writes songs from a real and vulnerable place, motivating me to do the same with my writing.

If We Ruled the World

The more cynical side of me thinks nothing major will be different by 2015. People will be people, government will be government and Oprah will be king. But if I could have it my way (like another king says), it would go some thing like this (cue the wavy daydream lines): The war is over. All over the world, mothers and fathers get their sons and daughters back from war zones. In my vision of 2015, the war will have been over for some years, but it won't be far from the minds of young Americans. We won't forget the time when we fought a war for the wrong reasons. The "vacuum effect" many pro-war supporters predicted never happened and the Iraqi government is self-sustaining. America is popular again and is no longer seen as the country equivalent of Britney Spears: The one hot girl that everyone admired until something went terribly wrong. We are no longer seen as the nation that hurts before it helps. We prove this to the world by starting at home: We rebuild New Orleans (all of it!!). We do our very best to kick our oil addiction. It's very hard for us, but we take it one day at a time. The greatest gains will be made by the youth: Young people will continue to build powerful communities on-line, and create their own form of honest media. The power that we gained by so radically changing the outcome of the 2008 election will inspire us to become even more involved. Candidates will no longer ignore us and youth media will host the most important debates in upcoming elections. We will use our power wisely and the world will be a better place.

Breaking the Barriers: Defines Music

Growing up, I only listened to Spanish country music, called "Rancheras" and "Corridos," which made it hard for me to learn how to speak English. But music broke those barriers as I learned English from listening to artist such as Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. That allowed me to learn how to speak both languages fluently. But I have realized that music has always been a great part of my life because I tend to relate my passion for justice through lyrics that are not known through the news or through our everyday conversations.

I seek the truth through music that is found within my soul, my heart, and most importantly my culture. The "Corridos" tend to be the part of music in which it tells a story about crimes,corruption, and a violation of human rights that are committed between societies of two different nations. Heart and soul is what "Corridos" represent and I feel that Los Tigres Del Norte have brought that into context throughout their 30 year career in the music Industry. This dedication made me want to listen to their message, and I choose to play such truth-telling music on the radio show that I host in Wisconsin. Los Tigres del Norte are loved in America as much as the "Beatles" are loved. They are the "Beatles" of Mexico you could say. They represent a generation of sacrifices and passion toward living life free from corruption and seeking truth through what they love and I love; Music. Their music along with other artist such as Mana, who are like the Nirvana of Mexico, and Juanes who is just an inspiration to many individuals including myself; has inspired me to write for justice and to pursue a career in politics at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.

Let's See how Far We've Come

I am crazy about the new Matchbox 20 song "How Far We've Come." It reflects both the hopelessness and optimism my generation feels regarding their potential to "save the world."

Since I graduated, it's harder to keep the idealism I've always had, because there are so many older folks who think they just can't do enough to save the world. When I hear this song it reminds me to keep up the fight. It reminds me to ask myself every day, "What am I doing to help people and to save the world?" Stopping war, ending genocide in Darfur, combating global warming: What can I do, and how can I empower others?

The lyrics of the song ironically suggest that when things are coming to an end (whether it's my end or at the hands of big mushroom clouds) it makes sense to pretend nothing will happen to us. But the song is fast and empowering and I think they are really asking us how far we can go, how far we're ready to go, and if we're ready to go right now.

What Musical Artist Inspires YOU?

Rock the Vote and Wiretap magazine are very excited about our Rock the Trail reporters. We've selected 5 young journalist from Florida to California to capture this elections hottest news. By now you've heard from all 5; Raldon, Rebecca, DeNishia, Sarah and Jocelyn. Our reporters are currently writing about a song or musical artist (past or present) that inspires or motivates them to take action on a political or social issue. Stay tuned to hear their answers. But why stop here? We want to hear from you! What song and/or musical artist (past or present) inspires and motivates you to take action on a political or social issue, and why? Think long and hard because this is a pretty big honor to bestow on an artist.

An artists that inspires me would have to be Wyclef Jean who happens to be a Rock the Vote artist! Wyclef has never forgotten where he comes from and he works tirelessly to bring attention to his native land of Haiti! His music has a message and always makes me think critically about the world around me. It motivates to help others less fortunate than myself and gives me the desire to vote for public officials who care about those who are often forgotten.

Live from Florida

My name is De Nishia Yearby. I am a 22-year-old journalist from Chicago, IL, but I currently stay in Tallahassee, FL for school.

My first time voting experience made me feel powerful to know that the fate of all running officials were in my hands—to a certain extent, literally. I felt like a leader whose opinions mattered, and I would just have to sit at home and wait with excitement to see how many other Americans agreed with my choices. The experience made me feel like I was officially an adult, but reality hit when I came home from school and my mother made me do the dishes. Some adult then, huh.

You will definitely find me from time to time giving you the scoop on our Rock the Vote artists (http://www.rockthevote.com/music). It’s hard to choose my favorite because there are sooooo many talented artists who suport Rock the Vote, but I’ll choose John Legend as my favorite artist of the month, maybe even the year. Why? Because he’s a legend. Seriously speaking, he is a very talented and creative person. John Legend creates his own swagger, which can’t be imitated or duplicated by anyone. He stands out as a leader in the music world, and even wins the hearts of many, including me, by strongly supporting what he believes. GO JOHN LEGEND!



So there you have it. My personal perspective on a couple of things. You will never know what to expect from me, but whatever comes your way I assure you it will be worth your listening and viewership. In five months you will hear and see it all from me. I look forward to caputuring you and your awesome viewpoints. As a Rock the Trail Reporter, I know you expect me to report the news with truth, pride and an edge to capture your attention. In return, I am looking for you to take advantage of this election. Make it yours and Rock the Vote with me.

HOLA! Let's Get Started! ~~ JoCelyn SiDa

Hey everyone my name is Jocelyn Sida but most people know be by Jocy or Josie. You can spell it both ways I guess. I am a 19 year old Mexican American. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I currently attend school in Wisconsin in a small town next to Lake Superior called Ashland.

On the day I turned 18, I registered to vote, and voted the first chance I had. As I went into the Bredding Community Center in Ashland, I had a smile from cheek to cheek. As I grabbed the ballot out of Mrs. Collins hand and went inside the booth, I could not believe that time had flown by and this was it, I was actually an adult now, and that this was how it felt like to make a difference, the feeling of satisfaction and joy and the feeling that you now actually could achieve anything... And I did it, I darkened the bubble and I did it, It was done. I was the 276th person to vote that day, the time was 1:30pm too, just thought you might want to know.

I'm a radio deejay for a Spanish radio show, and I am a fan of Juanes, whom is one of the many artists involved with Rock The Vote. His music has so much rhythm. Juanes has brought happiness to the lives of people in many nations-- not just the Latin countries but all those in the third world spectrum-- through his Latin music and his humble personality and devotion to his family. He has performed with Nelly Furtado in "Fotografia" and has performed inspirational music throughout his career. My favorite song is "La Camisa Negra."

As a Rock the Trail Reporter, I plan on connecting with young voters from all cultures. I hope to be able to provide a sound representation of the issues that matter to the Millennial Generation and to get more and more people to go out there and SPEAK OUT and most importantly VOTE!

Thinking Outside the Box: Campaign commercials and N*E*R*D

My name is Rebecca ‘B FRESH’ McDonald. I am 24, and an active and engaged voting citizen, born, raised, and reporting from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. But, I was not always active and engaged. When recalling my first time voting back in 2002, it was very intimidating, since I didn’t come from a “political” family, and I had no previous knowledge of the political process. I did not know anything about the candidates besides information in the campaign commercials broadcasted between the evening news and the latest prescription drug advertisements. I became more engaged when I realized that I could use my voice to influence others and make a genuine difference in my community.

I am an advocate for using music as a way of reaching young people across the world. You find young people walking to the bus stop in the morning listening to their iPod, exchanging playlists and checking for the latest music. Not to sound cliché, but music really does make the world go round. My favorite Rock the Vote artist is the group N*E*R*D because they have the ability to influence young people, and they have made a statement by supporting the work of Rock the Vote. Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley take the time to encourage young people to exercise their power and potential in whatever they do.



As a Rock the Trail Reporter, I will challenge readers to think outside of the box and encourage critical thinking and questioning. Why did this politician support this bill? And why does that even matter to me? I will break stories about young people across the country who are using their voice to create change. I will highlight critical issues and opinions of young people, straight from the streets. And provide interviews with young people, surprise guests and elected officials, all addressing the importance of the youth vote in this upcoming election.

Donny Lumpkins

My name is Raldon L. Lumpkins, but my nickname is Donny. I am 20 years old but will be turning 21 in July. I live in Oakland, CA.

I actually have footage of the first time I voted – we used it on YO!TV, a local youth media show that I help produce. I got a little sticker and everything. Afterwards, I felt good – like one of those guys in the McDonald’s commercials that celebrates their first job or graduation with a big smile and Big Mac meal.

My favorite Rock the Vote artist is The Spill Canvas. They were one of my favorite bands before I knew they were working with Rock the Vote because of their gut-wrenchingly Emo arrangements and danceable hooks. It’s hard to know whether to cry or indie wiggle my little broken heart out. Now that I know they are a Rock the Vote artist. I like them even more. I must say Kenna is a very close second.

As a Rock the Trail reporter, I hope to connect with other youth that are excited about not just voting, but also the power we have to influence the world. Hopefully, I can report stories that will rally even more youth to want to make difference in each other’s lives.

Live from Kansas City

Hi I'm Sarah Burris, I'm new to Rock the Vote's Rock the Trail and very excited about the project! I'm 26 years old and originally from Oklahoma but I currently live in Kansas City.

I'll never forget my first election. It was 2000 and Al Gore was running against George W. Bush and it took us several days to find out who the winner was and years later there is still debate around it. One could say I came of age in a time filled with speculation about our election system and the accuracy of my vote being counted as it was cast. I've never taken my vote for granted since, because it was only a few people who decided the outcome in 2000.

I'm a huge fan of Christina Aguilera. Her music is great, but more she is a wonderful activist for social causes. The video for Beautiful still makes me cry when I watch it.

I'm eager to report on issues, candidates, and our movement in general. There is a lot of misinformation about young voters and I promise to step up and bring you the truth about what our peeps are up to.

Introducing the Rock the Trail Reporters

Our Rock the Trail reporters arrive in DC today for their debriefing, before they head out to cover the 2008 elections.

I asked them each to answer a few questions:

1. Describe your first time voting.
2. Who's your favorite Rock the Vote musical artist?
3. What issues matter most to you as a Rock the Trail journalist?

Check back soon to hear what each of our five new reporters has to say.