Chapter 3 and Intervention Idea II

  INTERVENTION IDEA II 

    For my second intervention, the focus will be on our dreams and goals and how they can affect our mental health. With these interview clips, I will also include a short art film with the objective of motivating viewers to keep on going and find balance in taking care of themselves and achieving their goals. I believe that it is important to shed light on this issue because it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, stress, anxiety, and even depression. When we set goals that are too difficult or impossible to achieve, we can feel overwhelmed and demotivated. This can lead to a negative spiral where we start to doubt ourselves and our abilities, which can have a long-term impact on our mental health.

CHAPTER 3

Quote 1: "We learn from past successes and past failures, from people of the past whose struggles we identify with, and from those whose actions we oppose."

    This quote really resonates with me. It reminds me that our experiences, both good and bad, can be valuable sources of learning and growth. We can learn so much from those who have gone before us, whether we identify with their struggles or their actions challenge us. Our past can be a guide for our future if we're willing to learn from it.

Quote 2: "When we act in order to bring about social change, it’s important not only to “demonstrate” what we are against in the here and now, but also to create a vision of the world we would like to bring into being in the future. It is not enough to merely criticize the way things are."

    I couldn't agree more with this quote. It's so easy to get caught up in what we don't want and what's wrong with the world, but it's equally important to have a clear vision of what we do want and how we can work towards it. By focusing on creating a better future, we can inspire others and work towards a positive change. Criticizing the current state of things can only get us so far, but having a clear vision of the future can help us stay motivated and focused on what we can achieve.

Quote 3: "Protesting the sexual objectification of women, they tossed bras and girdles into a “Freedom Trash Can,” creating a counter-spectacle to challenge normative societal ideals of women’s fashion and beauty. These new feminists were of course trashing some of the same symbols of traditional womanhood mobilized by their sisters half a century before."

    I love this activist action. It is such a brilliant idea; not only it challenges societal norms in order to achieve true equality for all, but I imagined myself taking part in it: As a woman who has been belittled for my gender, I can fully express my anger toward this issue as I throw symbols of traditional womanhood in the freedom trash can.   

devanee's ch.3 quotes/ 2nd intervention idea

 Quote 1: "In order to be heard and understood, an activist needs to learn how to use popular culture, but they also need to know how to transform it so that it speaks to and for their own cause."(pg.93)

My initial thought was how true this statement was especially in today's society. you will see a lot f content creators on social media that take what is trending right now or trending sounds to advocate or get the audience to notice them. I feel as though really knowing and understanding the culture around you can be essential and benefit you as an activist if used in the correct manner. You don't just want to follow a wave and it has nothing to do with what you're trying to advocate for. 

Quote 2: "This is what makes society so hard: we are working within the very culture we are trying to change." (pg. 104)

I thought this was a good transition quote from my first one because yes, although our society has made it easy to share anything, this very culture can be sort of detrimental to what we want to do. I believe in the society we live night now has to be the harshest and most overstimulating thing ever, which can make it very hard to speak your truth, because not everyone will agree, and being transparent about being an activist now I feel takes ALOT more courage. More courage to face criticism, hate, and maybe even death threats depending on the topic you are speaking on. 

Quote 3: " The powerful maintain their power by deciding who or what can act and be acted upon, and defining who and what counts as 'political.'"(pg.122)

I found this quote not only true for activism but within life as well. The people or the most successful usually don't let others decide for them what to focus on and what to do. How you decide what is really important for you can get you a lot farther and help you cut out any distractions or outside noise. Also the more you act upon what you believe the more it will come to fruition. 

2nd Intervention Idea/ Plan 

So my plan is to actually create an Instagram account or relate to Puerto Rico and the idea of us being displaced. But I would also post information and use my design format to create visual images on the account as well. I plan on including videos and clips and film or ask other puerto ricans and even expand to Latinos how they feel about white people and tourism within their own land. I want to speak on this because for many years people of privilege have been able to use their privilege to get what they want and displace people of their own homes and cultures and I just feel more people need to be informed. 

go to puerto rican or Latino heavy places or gentrified places that have changed the environment around and perform a small act of being a bit more obnoxious to see how people react about it and post to the page.  

 The Art of Activism Quotes, Chapter III/Intervention II

 

1.     Page 86, last paragraph

“We should not seek to replicate the examples of history but to learn from them.” 

This quote resonated with me because during the twenty-five years since relocating to New Jersey from Southern California, experience has become my best teacher. The marriage between my parents were parentally arranged through a neighbor priest in Japan and although my mother claims to never have loved my father, she chose to stay married to him until his death in 2008. I, on the other hand, when faced with infidelity that literally broke apart our family and had a devastating effect on my two children, I knew it was time to part ways with my now ex-husband. I often wonder to this day, had I left our dysfunctional marriage much sooner, could it have saved the heartache and pain for the three of us?!

 

2.     Page 90, last paragraph

“Don’t preach, teach.”

It is often said in Japanese that children often learn from their parents by imitating what they see as opposed to what they are told. I too am a firm believer that actions speaks louder than words and I like to lead by example. My father taught me this invaluable lesson early on because he was more of a doer as opposed to “flapping his lips.” 

 

3.     Page 109, upper paragraph

“Injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of natural opinion before it can be cured.”

The social injustices that are built into the Japanese culture and with the apparent brainwashing that we are taught during our formative years, thinking outside of the box might prove to be difficult for most. However, having been raised in three cultures simultaneously and being taught by my father, I have come to acknowledge that some of those beliefs are very toxic and exclusionary. For example, it is often expected that once a Japanese woman marries that she will resign her position if she is working to “playhouse.” The current Empress of Japan, the former Masako Owada, was a diplomatic when her husband, the current Emperor proposed to her. She had attended Harvard University due to her father taught at Harvard; however, upon returning to Japan, she passed exam to become a diplomat. She eventually had to give up her position as a diplomat as she was now a part of the royal family and would have her royal duties to carry out as then Princess Masako. 

 

For my second intervention, I am going to continue the thread of social injustice; however, this time concentrating on the injustices within the Japanese cultural and how that has affected my self-identity. I will be taking several pictures to illustrate my personal interpretation of this. As I have become older, I have come to feel comfortable in my own skin despite the expectations that my culture might impose on me. Although I consider myself a Japanese national, I do not necessarily subscribe to all of the beliefs that most of us believe and adhere to because I was taught at a very young age to always question authority and to think for myself. 

Art of Activism quotes/ intervention 2

“When we act in order to bring social change it is important not only to “demonstrate” what we are against in the here and now, but also to create a vision of the world we would like to bring into being in the future.” 

Everyone knows about the problems going on in this world and some people may be led to believe that things are too far gone and cannot be fixed. I believe giving people a vision of how the world can be if we work to fix these problems will inspire more people to become activists and create change. For example, showing people how amazing the world can be if we coexist peacefully and are not worried about nuclear wars can be very helpful instead of just cramming news into our faces every morning. The average person does not know the benefits of countries like the USA and Russia being “friends” and they may think we are better off being separate, but if activists paint a picture of how the future can look, I believe this will motivate people to “step off the curb.” 

“While its often impossible to change the physical realities of our situation, we can change the ways in which people make sense of that reality.” 

I like to think of this quote as, you shouldn’t stress over the things you can’t change, but you can change your mindset and work towards shaping a better future. For example, death is inevitable but while we are on earth, we shouldn’t spend our days thinking about when we’re going to die, we just live our lives and work towards being happy and healthy. This quote is important to me personally because sometimes things happen in my life that I have no control over, but I always shift my mindset and think positively instead of wishing things weren't how they are. 

 

“We never start at zero, and it is a mistake to think we create something from nothing. We are always drawing from repositories of words images and meanings that already exist.” 

This quote is probably my Favorite quote so far because it is a conversation that surrounds fashion and art In general. Now, I do not think it is okay to directly copy anyone's designs or images, but I do think that everything you create takes inspiration from something in some way. This is very important because everyone has their own view of the world and their own personal experiences that help them create art through their Lense and that’s what makes it different than the thing, they took inspiration from. I personally spend hours researching vintage garments and studying designers that came before me, but I NEVER directly copy anything and always.  

PLAN 

 

For my second intervention, I am going to finish sewing this jacket I made out of denim and go out and physically protest with an anti-war poster I made. I am going to take pictures and document my experience. I chose to protest because anti-war movements were huge in the 60s and everyone was outside protesting in their jean jackets and bell bottoms. I want to feel how they felt and I felt the best way to do that would be to go outside and subject myself to whatever the world throws at me. I also chose to protest alone because it isolates me, much like how soldiers may feel alone and isolated when they are drafted to the war, leaving their families behind. 

Essay on Kimberly Drew

 Karen Osorio

Professor Cacoilo 

Acts of Resistance 

22 March 2023

    In Kimberly Drew’s “This is What I Know About Art” she had a quote that really spoke to me. It said, “after a few months of research, I decided that I should start my own blog. (I am still at a loss for where I got the confidence to do so, but I am forever grateful to the version of myself that said yes. Yes to learning more about Black art. Yes to making the things that I knew I needed to see in the world)" (Pg. 20-21). This remark made me think of a period when I was very passionate about writing. For my poems, I created a blog and a social media website. But because I thought it wasn't getting the credit it deserved, I was quickly demoralized. I used to think that if something didn't receive praise, it must not have been very good. I gave up because I felt there was no purpose in continuing if nothing was happening. However, after reading Drew's account of how she started a blog on Black artists and how she is now collaborating with them, I am dissuaded from that notion. As an artist, as well as an activist, you should just continue to practice your skill consistently because you never know who might be watching. Allow some time.

     Furthermore, she goes on to mention, "I knew I was changing at the Met, but I knew in my heart that all of that effort could be better utilized at a grassroots level" (pg.58). I was drawn to this quote as well because, if there's one thing I love, it's when talent acknowledges talent. Drew realized she was at a place that was no longer useful to her. She didn't feel at ease at the Met because there was no room for diversity or minorities, either. It was time to go on, follow her own path, and seize new, more fulfilling opportunities. This made me think to myself, what I could do in order to expand not only my beliefs, but my opportunities.

    In the article, “How Memes are making Protest Art More Powerful “, it’s written that “the value of meme 

protest art lies not in the authenticity of the image, but in its undermining of the original source and the 

assertion of a different truth.” I thought this quote resonated a lot with my original thought about what this 

article was trying to get at, which is: protest art in the form of memes drive people to be drawn to the original 

photo or source used. They become intrigued by the message yes, but they also want to know the original context

 in which the meme was created. It also reminded me of this artwork I saw once regarding a courthouse in Texas 

that was confiscating women's tampons, but there was nothing being done about open carry with guns. 

Courtroom Texas Controversy (2022)

     Similarly, in Chapter 2: Process the Art of activism it’s mentioned that “as artists and activists, we frequently self-censor our ideas because they aren’t clever or creative enough” (pg. 58). I found this quote particularly compelling because often our fear of failure or infamy hinders us from creating and this can block us from many blessings. This made me think about how fear of judgement could also hinder artists from creating. A prime example of this, to me, would be toxic or fragile masculinity. Many men avoid doing things or behaviors that are deemed to be feminine. This can trickle into career paths, relationships, goals, their craft, etc. 

 Ryan Stephens Pretty Masculine Art Print (2022)

Works Cited 

Drew, Kimberly. This Is What I Know About Art. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2020.

Duncombe, Steve. Lambert, Steve. The Art of Activism. OR Books, 2021.

Fison, Lizzie. “How Memes Are Making Protest Art More Powerful.” Artsy, 7 Feb. 2017, https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-memes-making-protest-art-powerful. 

Chapter 3: History & Intervention 2 Draft Amelvis Villafane

 Chapter 3 History

“In order to be heard and understood, an activist needs to learn how to use popular culture, but they also need to know how to transform it so that it speaks to and for their own cause.” page 93

In this section they talk about the principle of “use the spectacular vernacular” and they discuss the importance of popular culture and how impactful a message can be if we use pop culture in our activism. Now operating in pop culture isn't enough. You need to know how to reform pop culture as a means to convey your messages and speak to your values. To just participate within it isn't enough, you need to slightly manipulate it, while making sure it gets the attention within popular culture. In this principle they use the explanation of Jesus refusing to use his gifts as a means of entertainment, and personal gain. Instead his gifts (his means of popular culture) were used to accurately represent what he stood for, helping the people. It didn’t matter what spectacles happened or not but what messages came out of it. His refusal to use his gifts selfishly showed that he wasn’t for selfish needs, and his acts of using his gifts proved that he was for the people, he cared for them. 

“We are often taught that history is made, and changed, by leaders. This is partly true: leaders often provide the skills, perspectives, examples, and charisma that are necessary for social movements. But it is people who make up those movements, and if change is to be far-reaching and sustainable, then all of us must be the movement.” page 96. 

This is the principle of “empower the people”. Here they are talking about how in most movements there is a face/ leader but it is the job of the leader to train everyone else to lead and give them tools to succeed on their own, and get out of their way. Meaning it is the leader's job to teach, help, support and then encourage everyone else that the movement and abilities are now within them and they make up the movement as well. 

“ performance is useful for dramatizing what already exists. Sometimes reality needs help.” page 106 

In this principle they are discussing how an effective means of protest needs to perform reality. Here they talk about setting the stage for an effective event that will get everyone’s attention. At the SCLC campaign in Birmingham they staged a protest in a town that they knew was known for its racism, violence and its Theophilius Eugene Bull Conner ( a former KKK member who was at the time a Commissioner of Public Safety. They expected him to be radical and drastic towards their protests. And what they expected is exactly what happened. They used the reality of the world to get people's attention and expose the truths. 

Intervention 2 Draft

Creating a Youtube Channel where I use my nieces and the graphic novel series Heart Stopper to explain what it means to be apart of the LGBTQ community and explain what it is like to be queer and understanding sexuality and issues closely related to members of queer community, like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bullying, victims of abuse and etc. 

This is What I Know About Art: Kimberly Drew Essay 

The Couple in the Cage: Coco Fusco and Paula Heredia. This piece is absolutely my favorite because it represents me in my quest to reach the freedom of understanding and honoring who I am as a person despite rejecting the cultural norms that have been drilled into my head since my formative years. I sometimes find myself on occasion second guessing myself; however, with age, I have learned that I will do what works best for myself and my family. 

Scarred Chest (2013) by Hank Williams Thomas. This piece drew me in because this gentleman has the Nike symbols carved into his chest. The motto for Nike is "Just Do It," right?

Blackflyzine by Kandis Williams. This piece to me can represent two concepts. The first concept is a portrait of seeing one's own reflection with all its imperfections. The second concept can represent when one is seeing the ugly side of oneself, a deep reflection and quite possibly an individual who may or may not be repressed. 

"Mama Goma, Gemena, Dr. Congo" (2014) by Deanna Lawson. This piece resonated with me because I enjoyed my pregnancy for both of my children. I feel that pregnancy should be celebrated because the woman will be giving birth to a new generation with renewed hope and promise for the future.

    Kimberly Drew is a young Black woman who describes her personal challenges with race and class eloquently in This is What I Know About Art. I was drawn to and was unable to put the book down until I finished because not only is it a short book; however, the language is very easy follow and comprehend.

 

I have selected certain quotes from the book which resonated with me on a personal level, which in turn helped me to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the very valid concerns surrounding race and class. Hands down, the quote that resonated me to my core is when it is stated “There are also the times when, even though I know that I can get out of the cage, I can never quite escape” found on page 28. As I had shared during lecture on March 15^th, the Japanese/Korean culture is one of conformism. From the time that I was able to read, write, and speak, the “Japanese way of life” was literally drummed into me. Most Japanese are raised in a similar fashion in that we are “taught” or should I say brain washed to believe certain things about life, ourselves, society, and even our culture. From the time of my formative years, I understood my responsibilities to myself, my family, and to society. Japanese tend to cling to the antiquated mindset that was set forth our ancestors, the Japanese Samurai warrior class. Deviation from what is considered “normal” is quite frowned upon and consequently could lead to ostracization from your own family, friends, or your colleagues at work. My Father raised me to think independently or outside the box and I never had any fear to challenge the Japanese societal “norms.” I quite often clashed with my mother because she was the one who chose to cling to patriarchal ways. She never genuinely supports any of my endeavors; however, my father was the opposite. It was he that encouraged me to challenge myself with my academics because he believed that education is the key to open doors through hard work and commitment. When I was younger, I would second guess myself by wondering if I made the right choice because although I consider myself a freethinker; however, I consider myself a traditional Japanese woman but able to ascertain an outdated mindset. 

 

            Being a multi-cultural person of color, I often struggled with my personal identity during my younger days. I am Japanese, Korean, and Puerto Rican; however, I was raised in a very traditional Japanese family with my father as head of household and had the ultimate decision concerning all family matters. “The tears helped me liberate the part of myself that I was afraid to be. A part of myself that I thought I had to hide” found on page 50 resonated with me because as I identify myself a non-binary person. I do not believe in limiting myself to gender specific roles/duties, manner of dress, or any of that garbage. I have been a single mother for the past decade or so and supporting myself and my daughter, which is traditionally considered a male role without any assistance from anybody. It has not been easy; however, I feel that having no option other than to be strong, I have led by example for my daughter to realize that women are able to achieve great things on their own. I am no longer embarrassed nor intimidated to be a single parent because I now feel confident in my own skin. 

 

            
            Society, especially Japanese society often has their idea of what it means to be successful despite that this may or may not be your idea. “She assured everyone on the tour that we don’t have to subscribe to anyone else’s idea of success” aligns with the life lesson that it is normal to have your own definition of success. From the time I was a youngster, the definition of success was already defined by my culture and any deviation would be considered a “failure.” The Sea of Tree” also known as Aokigahara, located in Yamanashi, Japan is a popular area where Japanese people will travel to end their life. Japanese people quite often consider suicide an “honorable” act stemming from the Samurai tradition of “hara kiri” or disembowelment because they are unable to live with the shame and humiliation of losing their job, being divorced, having a chronic illness, bullying at the workplace or in school, or even being disabled. Japanese are known to detest the thought of inconveniencing others, in addition to “disturbing” the peace or harmony. 

 

            During my formative years, I often craved to be free of my dominating and manipulative mother. “I wanted to have a voice in the world. Only this time, I wanted it on my own terms” exemplifies my desire to break from my tyrannical mother. I decided twenty-five years ago that I would relocate to New Jersey come high or hell water, sink or swim. I had been friends with my ex-husband prior to relocating to New Jersey back in 1998 although I am now able to admit that my life was transformed both in a positive and negative manner. I can confidently say that I was living my life on my terms and not according to my mother’s idea of success or happiness. 

 

            Although I may not be artistically inclined, there are quite a few social issues which I am very passionate in my own right. First and foremost, I value the fact that I am a mother to adult-aged children, twenty-four and twenty-two. It is an honor to be a mother to my two children and always have and will continue to be my source of inspiration. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that the divorce from their father has left my children feeling broken while questioning the meaning of love. The three of us in our own unique ways have managed to endure through the heartache and pain to come this far; however, with serious repercussions. Although I realize that I am unable to change the past, I understand that actions speaks louder than words; therefore, I am committed to become a Case Manager working with children between the ages of three to twenty-one years old. My form of activism is to attempt to make a difference in one child’s life to help them understand that not everybody is malicious and that there are people in this world that truly have their best interest at heart and genuinely care and love them. 

 

Works Cited

 

Authentic Documentary Productions; a video by Coco Fusco and Paula Heredia; directed & produced by Coco Fusco, Paula Heredia. (1993). The couple in the cage: a Guatinaui odyssey. New York, NY: Third World Newsreel,

 

 

Drew, Kimberly. This Is What I Know About Art. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2020.

 

Drew, Kimberly. Tumblr. https://blackcontemporaryart.tumblr.com