Overview of Project
Looking through a different lens, this project consists of getting to hear the stories of people beyond what we see. We started off by defining who we are and who people think we are by creating identity maps. We moved on to reading the stories of people who told us their stories in different styles of writing. And to finish off the project we interviewed people of our community to get to know them on a more personal level. We each sat down with two people and decided whether we wanted to tell their stories in the form of documentaries or stories.
Identity Maps/ "Unfair Project"
Identity Map: words that describe me or how people see me
Drawn on my face are some words of how people see me, but mostly of words that represent who I am.
Through Different Lenses:
Critical Race Theory: examines appearance of race and racism and how it is present across dominant cultures.
This theory is very clear across the book. Race plays a significant role in where Abraham lives and what he experiences daily.
Psychoanalysis: builds on Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychology (id, ego, superego)
Freud focuses on Oedipus complex and states that children are always in need for their parents, and as they grow up they realize that they are not the focus of a mother’s attention. Which can cause conflicts to arise. If we take a look at Abraham, we see how he was never close to his mother because of her crack addiction. So throughout most of his childhood he is missing out on what it means to have a real mother, this isn’t to say that his grandmother was never there for him. He has problems trying to figure himself out without her there for him.
Postcolonialism: political or cultural condition of a former colony
Postcolonial explores the aftermaths of a colonization and while colonizing, it is suggested that non-whites are less important. Often people of color are the ones being colonized. Hold Love Strong, you'll see how the past injustices from white people is visible. They are left to find a way to survive in the New York housing projects. Where a crack epidemic and cases of HIV are rising.
Queer Theory: explores issues of sexuality , power, marginalized populations in literature and in culture.
In the book no one is necessarily trying to figure out their sexuality. But there are characters who are trying to figure out who they want to be and if they are capable of doing it. There are times where Abraham, has trouble trying to figure out if he should even attend college and continue to play basketball. Or if he should just stick to what he knows and never find a way out of the projects.
Feminism: focuses on analyzing gender inequality
relating this study back to my book it is kind of hard to find because it primarily focuses on a male character. But taking a look at the female characters you will clearly see this lens. Abraham's household is headed by single women. And through the women you see how strong and independent they are, they go to show how they are capable of running a household
Reader Response: relating a certain section of the book back to something personal
Readings and Socratic Seminars
James Baldwin: I am not your negro
In his book, James Baldwin talks about not only his struggles about being an activist but he also talks about his close friends, Malcom X, MLK, and Medgar Evers. Not only did we get to read a passage, but we also had the opportunity to watch a documentary based on it. It was filled with great footage and pieces from his book.
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Gloria Anzaldua: Borderlands
Unfortunately, we didn't get to read the whole book. But borderlands has to be one of my favorite passages read in class. Because as a latinxs women it is great to finally have someone write down everything you wish you could say, but for some reason hold back. The passage we read speaks about the displacement and invasion of land by Anglos, leaving indigenous people to seek for themselves. But the invasion didn't just occur in the U.S, it all also carried into the indigenous parts of Mexico. Created was the famous quote, "Ni de aqui, Ne de aya". Signifying, that after the invasion these borders were created, and people were trying to figure out who they were, they didn't feel like Americans but they also didn't feel like Mexicans.
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Chimamanda Adiche: The danger of a single story
In this great Ted Talks, we get to hear Chimamanda talk about the dangers of hearing one side of a story. We are often drawn to believe stereotypes western media, without fact checking to make sure what is being said is true. In this Ted Talks she also speaks about how important it is for someone to project their voice in order to avoid the dangers of being misunderstood.
Equity Mantra
"Be more positive and spread more positivity"
The Stories of People on Race
Below you'll be able to listen and read about stories regarding race.