Snobbin: Beautiful Trash in the Pop Culture Gutter

Roddy Bogawa's 2004 documentary I Was Born, But is named after Yasujirō Ozu's 1934 silent film and mirrors that film in specifics of identity formation, particularly how class, culture, and nation inform who we are. The film is parts quiet meditation on Japanese American identity, including thoughts on Pearl Harbor, and the formative influence of the punk rock scene. Through additional reflection on his childhood in California and Hawaii and its impact, Bogawa creates an entrancing narrative that feels very different from Ozu but still tells a similar story on how art and identity shapes us.

While I often thought GLB's final record didn't reach the heights of their earlier albums, I now realize that the polished songwriting, production, and lyrical honesty emphasize a maturity and growth. My downer '90s self also did not relate to the jubilant sound and lyrics. However, I still wish Paul Kimble was on bass.

Otis the cat should survey the trees and birds, But he'd rather annoy me. Since the sentinel spruce and maples do not heed him, He licks the window in small circles. Nearby chickadees care little For these feline demonstrations. The cold weather snaps us to attention, And the snow falls silently while we watch From inside a creaky house, hoping for touches of lenient spring amidst the wintery chills.