Impacts

Tattoos: So What?

"The world is divided into two types of people: those who have tattoos and those afraid of people who have tattoos."  A tattoo is an art form, one that is both growing in popularity and acceptance.  This photo film explores the evolution of the popularity and acceptance of tattoos in American culture over the past one hundred years, ultimately focusing on the impact being tattooed has on employment.  Popular culture has evolved to accepting tattoos, with images of tattooed stars left and right.  Whether or not "real America" can become as open to change remains to be seen.
word count: 98

BJJ in MMA

Ask anyone who saw the Ultimate Fighting Championship 118 if Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has made an impact on Mixed Martial Arts and the answer will be a resounding yes.  This photo film investigates the impact that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has had on the world of martial arts.  Boxing legend James Toney was convinced that boxing is the most effective manner of fighting, sparking outrage in the MMA world.  UFC president Dana White arranged a fight between Toney and UFC Champion Randy Couture.  Determined to prove Toney wrong, not one fight on the UFC 118 card would be won by knockout.  Couture submitted Toney at 3:19 of round one.
word count: 108

Women in a Man's World

Wrestling is, in every sense of the word, a man's sport.  Eject the videocassette; insert the DVD.  Wrestling was a man's sport, at least until 2004 when the Olympic committee forced the world to reckon with female wrestlers by adding a women's division to the most elite level of competition.  This photo film delves deeply into the impact of adding a women's division to a traditionally male-centered sport, ultimately addressing the psychological impact segregation of sports has on each gender.  The song lyrics "Anything you can do, I can do better," quickly comes to mind.
word count: 94