#BREAKFREE 2.0
#BREAKFREE is a social awareness movement that encourages people to "break free" from oppressive stereotypes that society has institutionalized.
Inspirations
Stereotype Activity
This activity consisted of silently writing stereotypes that we have heard about four different races (white, asian, black, and mexican) on posters that were hung up around the classroom like a gallery. The results were very eye opening. We found that everyone came up with very similar stereotypes about each race and because of that, we began to recognize how large of an issue this was. After doing this activity, we realized that stereotypes are institutionalized on not only race, but other topics like gender, mental illnesses, beauty standards, animals, music etc. Since it was so powerful for us to face the reality of our society, we decided to recreate this experiment at our exhibition.
This activity consisted of silently writing stereotypes that we have heard about four different races (white, asian, black, and mexican) on posters that were hung up around the classroom like a gallery. The results were very eye opening. We found that everyone came up with very similar stereotypes about each race and because of that, we began to recognize how large of an issue this was. After doing this activity, we realized that stereotypes are institutionalized on not only race, but other topics like gender, mental illnesses, beauty standards, animals, music etc. Since it was so powerful for us to face the reality of our society, we decided to recreate this experiment at our exhibition.
Whistling Vivaldi Reading & Concept of Stereotype Threat
In class, we read an excerpt of "Whistling Vivaldi and Other Clues to How Stereotypes Affect Us", which was about an African American male who would whistle classical music as he walked by people on the street in order to convince them that he did not not pose as a threat. He would do so because he had experienced - multiple times - people that would cross the street if they saw him walking toward them. He had to adjust his lifestyle for the convenience of others because his stereotype was that he should be feared. Stereotypes are fixed ideas of a particular type of person or group of individuals. These identifying labels are one of the biggest obstacles that our community faces for they lead to oppression, inequality, and intolerance. More so, the practice of stereotyping will even give way to a phenomenon called: Stereotype Threat refers to being at risk of confirming, as self-characteristic, a negative stereotype about one's group. (Steele & Aronson, 1995)
Overview
How does one unlearn stereotypes? How can stereotyping impact our past, present, and future? How do you start a movement and keep it going? As we studied American History, we began to understand the consequences of human errors, biases,
judgments, discrimination, and more. Within that same narrative, we also studied the amazing triumphs behind human perseverance, progressiveness, growth, and love. When we decide to move forward and change our world for the better, we are accepting the challenge of not only rebutting but also reforming those ideas that prevent our nation from living up to the founding ideal of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
In class, we read an excerpt of "Whistling Vivaldi and Other Clues to How Stereotypes Affect Us", which was about an African American male who would whistle classical music as he walked by people on the street in order to convince them that he did not not pose as a threat. He would do so because he had experienced - multiple times - people that would cross the street if they saw him walking toward them. He had to adjust his lifestyle for the convenience of others because his stereotype was that he should be feared. Stereotypes are fixed ideas of a particular type of person or group of individuals. These identifying labels are one of the biggest obstacles that our community faces for they lead to oppression, inequality, and intolerance. More so, the practice of stereotyping will even give way to a phenomenon called: Stereotype Threat refers to being at risk of confirming, as self-characteristic, a negative stereotype about one's group. (Steele & Aronson, 1995)
Overview
How does one unlearn stereotypes? How can stereotyping impact our past, present, and future? How do you start a movement and keep it going? As we studied American History, we began to understand the consequences of human errors, biases,
judgments, discrimination, and more. Within that same narrative, we also studied the amazing triumphs behind human perseverance, progressiveness, growth, and love. When we decide to move forward and change our world for the better, we are accepting the challenge of not only rebutting but also reforming those ideas that prevent our nation from living up to the founding ideal of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The Writing Process
Personal Piece
Another component of this project was creating an individual personal piece. I chose to write and perform a spoken word. It went through countless amounts of drafts as it was difficult for me to reach a vulnerable part of myself the first time I wrote it out. I can honestly say I am happy with how it turned out. It is a piece that strongly resonates with me and hopefully others who may feel like who they are (whether it be gender, race, sexuality, economic status, etc.) has restricted them in any way.
Another component of this project was creating an individual personal piece. I chose to write and perform a spoken word. It went through countless amounts of drafts as it was difficult for me to reach a vulnerable part of myself the first time I wrote it out. I can honestly say I am happy with how it turned out. It is a piece that strongly resonates with me and hopefully others who may feel like who they are (whether it be gender, race, sexuality, economic status, etc.) has restricted them in any way.
Here is the rubric that helped shape my spoken word:
"That" Card"
By "That" I mean: "I am more than THAT." We each created cards that represented an experience where we felt stereotyped or discriminated against because of who we are. One side of the card was for the writing and the other side was for an art piece that represented our topic. Here is mine:
Group Video Project
- Proposal
- Presentation
- Storyboard
And voilà! Here is our final video:
Self Reflection
At first, I wasn't sure about doing this project because I was afraid I wouldn't have any thing to break free from and I was worried that my struggles wouldn't be as valid as others. What I realized is that what I have to say is so important. I am unique and my story must mean something if no one else will ever be able to replicate my thoughts, opinions and experiences. This break free project means a lot to me because I was able to be completely open and okay with who I was even after picking myself apart. I have learned that vulnerability leads to great writing and that I am capable of way more than I think I am. Going viral was our hope since the beginning of this movement; however if we were able to positively influence one mind, we have accomplished way more than we even realize.
Exhibition at Queen Bee’s
Exhibition was such a wonderful evening. It was hands down the best exhibition I have ever had in my six years of attending High Tech. The energy throughout the whole event was just bubbling with positivity. Parents, teachers, friends and strangers were there to support our beautiful work and I could not be happier with everyone's contributions to it, from setting up to tearing down at the end.
At first, I wasn't sure about doing this project because I was afraid I wouldn't have any thing to break free from and I was worried that my struggles wouldn't be as valid as others. What I realized is that what I have to say is so important. I am unique and my story must mean something if no one else will ever be able to replicate my thoughts, opinions and experiences. This break free project means a lot to me because I was able to be completely open and okay with who I was even after picking myself apart. I have learned that vulnerability leads to great writing and that I am capable of way more than I think I am. Going viral was our hope since the beginning of this movement; however if we were able to positively influence one mind, we have accomplished way more than we even realize.
Exhibition at Queen Bee’s
Exhibition was such a wonderful evening. It was hands down the best exhibition I have ever had in my six years of attending High Tech. The energy throughout the whole event was just bubbling with positivity. Parents, teachers, friends and strangers were there to support our beautiful work and I could not be happier with everyone's contributions to it, from setting up to tearing down at the end.