Self Portrait artist statement
The art of oral storytelling is relevant is an all different culture. Today the same medium is followed in a variety of ways. This format is used in late night talk shows, programmed talks, and podcast. I primarily intended to structuring my self-portrait through a casual conversational podcast format because I believe it enables the audience to take a moment and listen to reflect upon the controversial ideas I present about my identities. This work is an attempt to a self-discussion in which I narrate through complex identities and present current affairs as it relates to them. Similarly, to another podcast, I attached the description to each episode with the links to the news articles.
In my work, I present my ethnic, sexual, gender, spiritual, and citizenship identities. I chose these five specifically due to the controversial discussions surrounding them today. I believe that these identities are the most discussed regarding how we interact with others today. These identities are presented a lot through media and politics which gives the marginalized identities recognition however, in turn, may also leave to much understanding regarding these identities.
In the first episode, I discuss my gender and sexual identity into two parts. The first part I discuss my male identification, how I defy toxic masculinity that is associated with my gender through subtle acts. These acts may include practicing better hygiene and transcending the stereotypical stoic facade that most males were instilled to present. I reference Bell Hooks from our class discussion and her experience dealing with her father’s toxic masculinity while identifying as a feminist. She highlights the turmoil she and her family endured as victims of her father. I also make a reference to Terry Crews. Terry Crews is an identified male who advocates against toxic masculinity. Gillette acknowledges his advocacy in their commercial which received much backlash from males who were offended. By highlighting the toxic trait and patriarchy I Segway into my self sexual identity.
In part two of the first episode, I define my pansexuality and comparing it from other sexual identities. I present the mainstreams medias identified the artist who came out as pansexual. Brendon Urie and Janelle Monae are the two most influenceable in my opinion, who represent my sexual identity. They have expressed LGBTQ pride in their work. Due to many misconceptions and confusions, it is important to discuss pansexuality because it disregards the concept of gender in total and focuses more on the romantic and emotional aspect of being in a relationship.
In my third and final episode, I discuss citizenship as an identity. I identify as an undocumented immigrant was growing up I faced many challenges. I refer to the current affairs in Syria and how that affected my academic and career goals. In the past, I mentored Syrian refugee students in their academics. Hearing and learning from their stories helped me reflect on our previous class discussion of home and global citizenship. Reflecting upon that and the students who lost their sense of home better help me identify my own citizenship. I identify my home as to where I am and my citizenship in the world. As cliché as that sounds I believe that I have positively influenced the global community one way or the other. Whether that is by raising awareness through my journalism or by interacting with other global citizens.
Throughout this experience in producing a podcast, I was able to gain much insight into the difficulty it takes in organizing this type of medium. I also gain much insight into my own self-identity by presenting it. It helps me better understand the perspectives of other authors and artist we discussed inside and outside the classroom. Though the challenges of producing the podcast were more than I expected I still intend to continue and better this craft.
attached is my podcast playlist
https://soundcloud.com/soundslaker/sets/acm-self-portrait
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