Ramblings from the Father of Twins

I was introduced to the term “multigenre” when reading the article by Tom Romano, “Blending Genre, Altering Style.” According to the article, he first encountered the “idea” when reading Michael Ondaatje’s The Collected Works of Billy the Kid. This collective work was not in the straight forward writing style but in a format provided in multiple formats ranging from interviews to comic strips to songs.

Although the term was new to me, the understanding behind the term is not. In years past, I believe writing and instruction have utilized these steps more frequently. With the incorporation of technology into many lessons, providing a complete lesson based on tangible related objects about the subject matter compared to words alone, provide the best description for learners.

I can think back to Kindergarten. Our main source of technology in the classroom was the color TV located in one corner of the class. My afternoon kindergarten class (Yes – A half day session with a nap and snack) was able to catch the latest episode of The Letter People on PBS. Mr. T and his Tall Teeth still stand out today because of the picture of his teeth, and the sounds he made when creating words with Mr. C and Ms. A for the word cat.

Similar lessons popped up throughout my years of schooling from primary to secondary to the various collegiate levels. My degree in Mass Media Arts is a direct result of many “multigenre” lessons. The media uses many of the same queues and methods in telling the stories on CNN and Faux..oops Fox News.

As I continued to review the article, I can see many of the methods as visual scrapbooking. Multiple ideas, statements and perspectives placed in a collective group for presentation to others. (Sounds familiar…)

Chapter 2 of the article provides more details and examples used by actual students. In some instances, the first few items resemble the current tool I’m using – the Blog. A series of unfortunate events and experiences led Jennifer Sorensen, the author in this example, to create her “posts”. We are not provided with the other parts of her presentation but I could see the concept she tried to deliver in the presentation. Jennifer’s ultimate goal may have been to show her frustrations with being a fragrance girl, but Neiman’s may have used this as a training presentation for new employees who want to come out smelling like a rose when selling cosmetics. It all depends on the perspective for those watching, listening and learning.

I believe today’s generation of Youtubers and MySpacers utilize the same methods discussed by Romano. Many of the creators from these webpages salvage items into a final project – their personal site. They touch their intimate theatrical side, their Oscar Winning Side, their Pulitzer side and their Grammy award winning side in order to create a new perspective for others to view. This new perspective is one that reaches the deepest emotions because it is a direct reflection of the source. These emotions expressed through the music played, photos posted and any other items displayed provide a multi-dimensional perspective of the individual. This perspective reveals more than just the basics found on a sheet of notebook paper or in a Word Document.

When I look at it, it’s just another part of the puzzle. It’s another tool we can use to get to those who we may not be able to reach. 1/2 theater, 1/2 film, 1/2 book, 1/2 music hall – this appears to be some kind of new math. But I believe this is one lesson I will truly enjoy.