4. By saying “when people look alike , they tend to think, speak and act similarly, on the job at least.” the people against uniforms mean _____________________________________________

Keys:

3. Why does a policeman like to wear a uniform in America ?

2. Why do a televison repairman and a garage mechanic gain more trust from American people?

1. Although the Americans are said to be a people ______________________________________

　 they love and respect a uniform.

4.　　　　 According to some critics , the main reason for its victory over Avatar lies in its_______________( painting a truthful picture of modern war instead of presenting overt political statements)

Americans are proud of their variety and individuality, yet they love and respect few things more than a uniform, whether it is the uniform of an elevator operator or the uniform of the five-star general. Why are uniforms so popular in the USA?

Among the arguments for uniforms, one of the first is that in the eyes of most people uniforms look more professional than civilian clothes. People have become conditioned to expect superior quality from a man who wears a uniform. The televisio repairman who wears a uniform tends to inspire more trust than one who appears in civilian clothes. Faith in the skill of a garage mechanic is increased by a uniform. What easier way is there for a nurse, a policeman, a barber, or a waiter to lose professional identity than to step out of uniform?

Uniforms also have many practical benefits. They save on other clothes. They save laundry bills. They are tax-deductible(可减税的). They are often more comfortable and more long-lasting than civilian clothes.

Primary among the arguments against uniforms is their lack of variety and the consequent loss of individaulity experienced by people who must wear them. Though there are many types of uniforms, the wearer of any particular type is generally stuck with it, without change, until retirement. When people look alike, they tend to think, speak, and act similarly, on the job at least.

Uniforms also give rise to some practical problems. Though they are long lasting, often their initial expense is greater than the cost of civilian clothes. Some uniforms are also expensive to maintain, requiring professional dry cleaning rather than the home laundering possible with many types of civilian clothes.

3.　　　　 What’s the movie about? (an anti-hero, leading a crew of competing male egos in removing roadside bombs around Iraq./ an explosive disposal unit in the Iraq War)

2.　　　　 What are the similarities between Bigelow and male filmmakers in making films?(to make the best film with the smallest budget)

1.　　　　 How many Oscar awards did The Hurt Locker win?　　 (6)

4. Some social problems concerning blacks still exist despite Obama’s elelction.

De-hua Cao

One of Hollywood’s “celluloid ceilings” has been smashed now that Kathryn Bigelow has become the first female ever to win a Best Director Oscar.

　 “There’s no other way to describe it, it’s the moment of a lifetime,” said a clearly overwhelmed Bigelow, at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, on Sunday.

She was up against the highest grossing film of all time, Avatar. But Bigelow’s small-budget film, The Hurt Locker, swept the awards with six trophies, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and the big one: Best Picture.

But all eyes were on Bigelow, as her movie about an explosive disposal unit in the Iraq War beat Avatar to the major awards. This was sweetened by the fact Avatar’s director, James Cameron, is her ex-husband.

Bigelow played down the momentous occasion last week, telling CBS, “There’s really no difference between what I do and what a　 might do. I mean we all try to make our days, we all try to give the best performances we can, we try to make our budget, we try to make the best movie we possibly can. So in that sense it’s very similar.”

“On the other hand, I think the journey for women, no matter what venue it is–politics, business, film–it’s a long journey.”

Ironically Bigelow’s cinematic journey could not have strayed farther from the path of female directors before her. Her filmography is filled with action movies that are low on female leads and high on guns and steel. Her films focus on men: their fears, bonds and rites of passage.

The Hurt Locker is in the same style. The war pic features an anti-hero, William James (Jeremy Renner who was also nominated for the Best Actor Oscar), leading a crew of competing male egos in removing roadside bombs around Iraq. James is addicted to risk taking and enjoys putting his fellow soldiers in constant peril. Many scenes feature dramatic confrontations of clashing male personalities.

By focusing on these male relationships, critics praised The Hurt Locker for avoiding overt political statements (something Avatar was heavily criticized for), and instead painting a truthful picture of modern war.

And is there an entertaining end to the story of Bigelow’s victory? She won on International Women’s Day. It is, after all, Hollywood.

3. Trying to solve