Observing the Global Educational System's effects and benefits with regards to the visually impai... more Observing the Global Educational System's effects and benefits with regards to the visually impaired Ghanaian Students
s Social work is defined as service that considers the present, urgent and unique matters of cont... more s Social work is defined as service that considers the present, urgent and unique matters of context in regards to what encompasses social life. (Hay, Introduction) In the context of the 21st-century social worker, hegemonic models for social welfare theory neglects to advocate equity and fulfillment of needs for all members across social positions, a considerable issue that exists in many social work cases. Considering the presence of individualism and fractal measurement, Eurocentrism is prevalent in the perspective guiding much of the 21st century practice of social work. This has caused many cases of social-workers working closely with participants of oppressed communities lacking the ability to engage in conduct that is liberatory and applicable to meeting the present needs of said communities. (Schiele, pg. 8) I argue that a social work framework that is dependent on an Afrocectional standard of conduct is an alternative route, through which unique human needs can be sufficiently met for several cases, with consideration to contexts across social-cultural conflicts that may hinder a worker's relationship with community participants. When I say Afrocectional, I am making reference to the traditional values and considerations in several frameworks across cultures in African countries along with praxis that is prevalent in the concept of intersectionality. Many have labeled this as Afrofuturism, Afrocentrism, but I'm opting for Afrocectional because it incorporates Intersectionality to maximize its validity in advancing both its' inclusive aspects and adaptability for several groups.
The Psychodynamics of Indigenous Orality assumed a focal part in keeping up social and political ... more The Psychodynamics of Indigenous Orality assumed a focal part in keeping up social and political situations in Africa, since the elements of Oral Culture generally guaranteed coherence, while also fortifying standards of conduct on the continent. However, Oral communication was eventually resisted to by a unique type of correspondence in the view of print, which generally was also in a foreign dialect. On the off chance that an African dialect was utilized, it was a dialect not really utilized in conventional oral correspondence, which abstracts all the elements making up the meaning behind the message. (Van Der Puye) Orality that is traditional to Africa is participatory rather than objectively distant. Oral cultures generally emphasize a performance-like activity, in which the "performer" being close to the audience allows the audience and performer to each have an influence over each other, making the performance emphatically communal. (Ong, p.45) (Finnegan, pg. 2) In this manner the presentation of the new print media denoted the start of a break with the past. (Van Der Puye)
Participatory Culture deals with a present culture sensing the context of the contemporary, thus... more Participatory Culture deals with a present culture sensing the context of the contemporary, thus questioning the existence of certain concepts within an existing tradition or culture, then seeking to remix the previous concepts into renewed practices with necessary adaptations in meeting present conditions while savoring its continuity. (Class Notes) A framework is a significant aspect for decision-making because the framework is the figurative root for shaping our perceptions, which our conclusions and actions act accordingly. (Collins Video)Storytellers can develop a more collaborative framework of authorship in this process, co-creating content with space’s participants having different personal visions and experiences while crafting a collective knowledge that is eventually followed with emotionally invested actions. (Jenkins, pg. 120) Upon the construction of a framework for Renewal, a pressing issue emerges in a necessity for change amidst a conflict when evaluating a present cultural tradition’s existence under present contextual conditions. A product of an overlaying dominant culture that is simply consumed reflects a “cheap, mass-produced imitation of the elite style,” but an alternate route is to remix this product rather than reject it completely. (McDannell, pg.164) A Remix generally must be accessible to the collective, consistent with inward truth while opposing dominant structures, and create cultural products through active participation. Generally, the human experience must be utilized in guiding the space to the light, for an eventual transformation. Any rubric for renewal must be Prophetic, Pedagogical and Participatory. A sufficient example of an outline for remixing institutions are the three levels of interaction provided by Quaker philosopher Alastair Mcintosh. Mcintosh claims all are equally significant in preventing human imbalance with the sacred, The Social Level: The Psychological Level: The Spiritual Level.
This paper will examine multiple accounts of systematic discrimination pertaining to the medical ... more This paper will examine multiple accounts of systematic discrimination pertaining to the medical industry that builds on the reality of oppression in America. The intended argument is that medical industries have victimized black patients, particularly imprisoned men and youth of color, in favor of the elitist research majority. Many unethical procedures that have been conducted are the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, with additional chemical and vaccination testing, and other unconsented experimentations on black bodies. This has led to drastic health effects such as death, mortality rates, and drainage of mental health that hinders trust from the African-American community. The primary connection intended to be made is that the medical industry has served as a mediator in disrupting the physical and mental health of black communities, primarily distrust between the institution and communities, with any emerging strategies having a necessity to implement patient-based change in health disparities. Since medical and social science publications alone haven't caused drastic change for these disparities, some relatively contemporary community-based projects have shown favorable results.
“White? My mother had even made some feeble attempts…When I came back from vacation in the sea,... more “White? My mother had even made some feeble attempts…When I came back from vacation in the sea, she looked at me in dismay and said “My God! You are so black!” (Ah..yeah..the beach, the sea.. the sun…the melanin.. It does happen that some people get a tan.) So after awhile she came up with a solution,: before I left she would go to the drug store, buy anti-wrinkle cream for her face, and firming cream for her body; a jar of cellulite, cream and conditioner, a horse hair glove for bathing, eye cream, dental whitening powder and some other portions that would be lined up under the bathroom mirror or piled up on the pink vanity in the pink bathroom. Well in the middle of that chemical arsenal, there were three or four total protection sun filter creams: a sun-proof screen which was to protect me during my seaside vacation. I would never have become white but at least I would remain beige. I shared the same desire. Now, I don’t really get it: Why is it okay to have a black husband but not a black daughter? If you get pregnant with an Indian, do you think the result can be pink, so it goes well with the bathroom too?” Upon reflection of this particular excerpt, evidence suggests that the primary conflict in this passage highlights the horrendous nature of white supremacy, gender norms and colorism. This passage echoes a daughter’s deepening struggle of balancing self-determination and the wishes of her mother, a struggle similar those bearing physical features such as melanin in their lineage against a society working against them that deems it abnormal. The present situation in this text mirrors the horrendous nature of race and gender supremacism motivating micro aggressions, as well as the resulting internal shivering of one’s own self -conscious in the event dealing with acceptance of their skin and body. A socially influenced self-conscious issue within bloodline can also pass on in families and generations too, telepathically rubbing off from one to another. The purpose of this text is to highlight the underlying dehumanizing experience of a socially influenced identity crisis with Viola as the victim to her mother’s non-verbal aggressions that imply Viola is a product and therefore should be treated as a product that fits her own desires.
One could assume the relationship of mothers and daughters is an ideal wonder in the making, given we stereotypically see the mother as the caregiver and the daughter as the princess. On the contrary, it is not always as positive as we may have been taught to believe. This particular situation highlights the struggle with self-determination, highlighted by the mere first sentence. Noticeably, the first word is a question in its own sense because she simply states the color followed by a question mark with no preceding elements, signaling confusion and significance to the color white. The question mark signifies the constant questioning of the situation and her identity, while the purpose of using of the color white is to highlight a subject of this questioning. Since the subject of the question is simply the color white, it calls for the reader to immediately interpret the significance and definition of white without any specifics. Ironically, this purposely causes us to experience a taste of her experience by refraining from details in her question because it results in our desperation for a clear explanation of an intent, just as she desired from her mother. We begin to ask and consider all the possible reasons of what her point was and why it lacks clarity, because we know there is a purpose for it even without details but we just cannot identify that purpose. This word is also deliberately sitting atop the body of text, as much of the text goes back to that statement of white followed by a question mark. Since it is what begins the paragraph and is an unclear statement, we keep the question in our heads throughout the reading with the hope that reading further will solve our questioning. This continuous uncertainty driven search yet again mirrors Viola’s experience, as throughout her life she likely asked all the questions possible revolving around the color white and why her mother desired for her to be white. When Viola talks of her mother responding with “My God, You’re so Black!” to her tan, The intent of the word choice such as “My God!” is to highlight the mother’s shock at her daughter’s tan. She immediately follows with “Ah, yeah: the beach, the sea, the sun..the melanin.. It does happen that some people get a tan” in parenthesis. The purpose of this sentence structure is to set the statement up almost as a question without a question mark because Viola is perplexed by the fact her mom thought she would be pale after spending time in the sun, and highlighting her mother’s shock makes us question it as well. In addition, following it with a sarcastic remark further expresses the absurdity of her mom’s shock, because the use of parenthesis singles out the statement as if it’s an answer we all already have in our heads as readers. The use of parenthesis also implies it was left unsaid and only a mental judgement of her mother, intended to keep us questioning her mother’s motives and why she did not respond to it how we expected. Viola signals the struggle with paternal acceptance, revolving around identity of gender and race. We can see that her mother is unhappy with the dark skin, and she responds by trying desperately to shape her daughter into something she is authentically not. This is implied by her ironic word choice of “solution” following the reaction to imply it was seen as a problem needing to be fixed by her mother without calling it so, who then immediately responds by buying her a substantial amount of sunscreen to “protect” her. Viola connects this to an even bigger issue, as she details the other products her mother bought an “arsenal” of “chemicals” for herself such as wrinkling cream, cellulite, and dental whitening powder. This highlights her mom’s obsession with her image and again trying to change the unchangeable because it shows not only is her wish for her daughter to be white but her own body looking young. This brings light to social gender and racial norms, that one must be white without wrinkles or aging features to be beautiful, even if it means that one must “poison” authenticity with products. Viola’s use of pink and white further emphasis on gender norms, as pink and white are princess and bridal like colors. Melanin is dark, and therefore is inferior to her mother. Viola has talked previously about her mom forcing her to wear pink to sow it was clear she was a girl, even though Viola did not wish to. In conclusion, when all these elements come together, it shows a clear judgement of absurdity of her mother’s struggle with reality. One cannot simply live life forever and not age, just as one cannot have a baby with an Indian and it be completely white. Her question at the end furthers her thought of absurdity with her mom’s fantasy about enjoying benefits such as marriage and life without making sacrifices for them. The fact she doesn’t express her disgust with her shows that Viola is only responding the way her mom initiated, which is underneath. This is likely because of a conscious struggle, since her mom was obviously disgusted of melanin but never bluntly stated that, she instead gave signs that were through actions but lacked the truth. If one thinks of another as inferior to even the truth, that is one situation that causes deep fear. This fear is the fear of white supremacy and her struggle causes us to invest in her struggle by questioning and empathize.
Works Cited (Multicultural Literature in Italy, Pg. 52)
Observing the Global Educational System's effects and benefits with regards to the visually impai... more Observing the Global Educational System's effects and benefits with regards to the visually impaired Ghanaian Students
s Social work is defined as service that considers the present, urgent and unique matters of cont... more s Social work is defined as service that considers the present, urgent and unique matters of context in regards to what encompasses social life. (Hay, Introduction) In the context of the 21st-century social worker, hegemonic models for social welfare theory neglects to advocate equity and fulfillment of needs for all members across social positions, a considerable issue that exists in many social work cases. Considering the presence of individualism and fractal measurement, Eurocentrism is prevalent in the perspective guiding much of the 21st century practice of social work. This has caused many cases of social-workers working closely with participants of oppressed communities lacking the ability to engage in conduct that is liberatory and applicable to meeting the present needs of said communities. (Schiele, pg. 8) I argue that a social work framework that is dependent on an Afrocectional standard of conduct is an alternative route, through which unique human needs can be sufficiently met for several cases, with consideration to contexts across social-cultural conflicts that may hinder a worker's relationship with community participants. When I say Afrocectional, I am making reference to the traditional values and considerations in several frameworks across cultures in African countries along with praxis that is prevalent in the concept of intersectionality. Many have labeled this as Afrofuturism, Afrocentrism, but I'm opting for Afrocectional because it incorporates Intersectionality to maximize its validity in advancing both its' inclusive aspects and adaptability for several groups.
The Psychodynamics of Indigenous Orality assumed a focal part in keeping up social and political ... more The Psychodynamics of Indigenous Orality assumed a focal part in keeping up social and political situations in Africa, since the elements of Oral Culture generally guaranteed coherence, while also fortifying standards of conduct on the continent. However, Oral communication was eventually resisted to by a unique type of correspondence in the view of print, which generally was also in a foreign dialect. On the off chance that an African dialect was utilized, it was a dialect not really utilized in conventional oral correspondence, which abstracts all the elements making up the meaning behind the message. (Van Der Puye) Orality that is traditional to Africa is participatory rather than objectively distant. Oral cultures generally emphasize a performance-like activity, in which the "performer" being close to the audience allows the audience and performer to each have an influence over each other, making the performance emphatically communal. (Ong, p.45) (Finnegan, pg. 2) In this manner the presentation of the new print media denoted the start of a break with the past. (Van Der Puye)
Participatory Culture deals with a present culture sensing the context of the contemporary, thus... more Participatory Culture deals with a present culture sensing the context of the contemporary, thus questioning the existence of certain concepts within an existing tradition or culture, then seeking to remix the previous concepts into renewed practices with necessary adaptations in meeting present conditions while savoring its continuity. (Class Notes) A framework is a significant aspect for decision-making because the framework is the figurative root for shaping our perceptions, which our conclusions and actions act accordingly. (Collins Video)Storytellers can develop a more collaborative framework of authorship in this process, co-creating content with space’s participants having different personal visions and experiences while crafting a collective knowledge that is eventually followed with emotionally invested actions. (Jenkins, pg. 120) Upon the construction of a framework for Renewal, a pressing issue emerges in a necessity for change amidst a conflict when evaluating a present cultural tradition’s existence under present contextual conditions. A product of an overlaying dominant culture that is simply consumed reflects a “cheap, mass-produced imitation of the elite style,” but an alternate route is to remix this product rather than reject it completely. (McDannell, pg.164) A Remix generally must be accessible to the collective, consistent with inward truth while opposing dominant structures, and create cultural products through active participation. Generally, the human experience must be utilized in guiding the space to the light, for an eventual transformation. Any rubric for renewal must be Prophetic, Pedagogical and Participatory. A sufficient example of an outline for remixing institutions are the three levels of interaction provided by Quaker philosopher Alastair Mcintosh. Mcintosh claims all are equally significant in preventing human imbalance with the sacred, The Social Level: The Psychological Level: The Spiritual Level.
This paper will examine multiple accounts of systematic discrimination pertaining to the medical ... more This paper will examine multiple accounts of systematic discrimination pertaining to the medical industry that builds on the reality of oppression in America. The intended argument is that medical industries have victimized black patients, particularly imprisoned men and youth of color, in favor of the elitist research majority. Many unethical procedures that have been conducted are the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, with additional chemical and vaccination testing, and other unconsented experimentations on black bodies. This has led to drastic health effects such as death, mortality rates, and drainage of mental health that hinders trust from the African-American community. The primary connection intended to be made is that the medical industry has served as a mediator in disrupting the physical and mental health of black communities, primarily distrust between the institution and communities, with any emerging strategies having a necessity to implement patient-based change in health disparities. Since medical and social science publications alone haven't caused drastic change for these disparities, some relatively contemporary community-based projects have shown favorable results.
“White? My mother had even made some feeble attempts…When I came back from vacation in the sea,... more “White? My mother had even made some feeble attempts…When I came back from vacation in the sea, she looked at me in dismay and said “My God! You are so black!” (Ah..yeah..the beach, the sea.. the sun…the melanin.. It does happen that some people get a tan.) So after awhile she came up with a solution,: before I left she would go to the drug store, buy anti-wrinkle cream for her face, and firming cream for her body; a jar of cellulite, cream and conditioner, a horse hair glove for bathing, eye cream, dental whitening powder and some other portions that would be lined up under the bathroom mirror or piled up on the pink vanity in the pink bathroom. Well in the middle of that chemical arsenal, there were three or four total protection sun filter creams: a sun-proof screen which was to protect me during my seaside vacation. I would never have become white but at least I would remain beige. I shared the same desire. Now, I don’t really get it: Why is it okay to have a black husband but not a black daughter? If you get pregnant with an Indian, do you think the result can be pink, so it goes well with the bathroom too?” Upon reflection of this particular excerpt, evidence suggests that the primary conflict in this passage highlights the horrendous nature of white supremacy, gender norms and colorism. This passage echoes a daughter’s deepening struggle of balancing self-determination and the wishes of her mother, a struggle similar those bearing physical features such as melanin in their lineage against a society working against them that deems it abnormal. The present situation in this text mirrors the horrendous nature of race and gender supremacism motivating micro aggressions, as well as the resulting internal shivering of one’s own self -conscious in the event dealing with acceptance of their skin and body. A socially influenced self-conscious issue within bloodline can also pass on in families and generations too, telepathically rubbing off from one to another. The purpose of this text is to highlight the underlying dehumanizing experience of a socially influenced identity crisis with Viola as the victim to her mother’s non-verbal aggressions that imply Viola is a product and therefore should be treated as a product that fits her own desires.
One could assume the relationship of mothers and daughters is an ideal wonder in the making, given we stereotypically see the mother as the caregiver and the daughter as the princess. On the contrary, it is not always as positive as we may have been taught to believe. This particular situation highlights the struggle with self-determination, highlighted by the mere first sentence. Noticeably, the first word is a question in its own sense because she simply states the color followed by a question mark with no preceding elements, signaling confusion and significance to the color white. The question mark signifies the constant questioning of the situation and her identity, while the purpose of using of the color white is to highlight a subject of this questioning. Since the subject of the question is simply the color white, it calls for the reader to immediately interpret the significance and definition of white without any specifics. Ironically, this purposely causes us to experience a taste of her experience by refraining from details in her question because it results in our desperation for a clear explanation of an intent, just as she desired from her mother. We begin to ask and consider all the possible reasons of what her point was and why it lacks clarity, because we know there is a purpose for it even without details but we just cannot identify that purpose. This word is also deliberately sitting atop the body of text, as much of the text goes back to that statement of white followed by a question mark. Since it is what begins the paragraph and is an unclear statement, we keep the question in our heads throughout the reading with the hope that reading further will solve our questioning. This continuous uncertainty driven search yet again mirrors Viola’s experience, as throughout her life she likely asked all the questions possible revolving around the color white and why her mother desired for her to be white. When Viola talks of her mother responding with “My God, You’re so Black!” to her tan, The intent of the word choice such as “My God!” is to highlight the mother’s shock at her daughter’s tan. She immediately follows with “Ah, yeah: the beach, the sea, the sun..the melanin.. It does happen that some people get a tan” in parenthesis. The purpose of this sentence structure is to set the statement up almost as a question without a question mark because Viola is perplexed by the fact her mom thought she would be pale after spending time in the sun, and highlighting her mother’s shock makes us question it as well. In addition, following it with a sarcastic remark further expresses the absurdity of her mom’s shock, because the use of parenthesis singles out the statement as if it’s an answer we all already have in our heads as readers. The use of parenthesis also implies it was left unsaid and only a mental judgement of her mother, intended to keep us questioning her mother’s motives and why she did not respond to it how we expected. Viola signals the struggle with paternal acceptance, revolving around identity of gender and race. We can see that her mother is unhappy with the dark skin, and she responds by trying desperately to shape her daughter into something she is authentically not. This is implied by her ironic word choice of “solution” following the reaction to imply it was seen as a problem needing to be fixed by her mother without calling it so, who then immediately responds by buying her a substantial amount of sunscreen to “protect” her. Viola connects this to an even bigger issue, as she details the other products her mother bought an “arsenal” of “chemicals” for herself such as wrinkling cream, cellulite, and dental whitening powder. This highlights her mom’s obsession with her image and again trying to change the unchangeable because it shows not only is her wish for her daughter to be white but her own body looking young. This brings light to social gender and racial norms, that one must be white without wrinkles or aging features to be beautiful, even if it means that one must “poison” authenticity with products. Viola’s use of pink and white further emphasis on gender norms, as pink and white are princess and bridal like colors. Melanin is dark, and therefore is inferior to her mother. Viola has talked previously about her mom forcing her to wear pink to sow it was clear she was a girl, even though Viola did not wish to. In conclusion, when all these elements come together, it shows a clear judgement of absurdity of her mother’s struggle with reality. One cannot simply live life forever and not age, just as one cannot have a baby with an Indian and it be completely white. Her question at the end furthers her thought of absurdity with her mom’s fantasy about enjoying benefits such as marriage and life without making sacrifices for them. The fact she doesn’t express her disgust with her shows that Viola is only responding the way her mom initiated, which is underneath. This is likely because of a conscious struggle, since her mom was obviously disgusted of melanin but never bluntly stated that, she instead gave signs that were through actions but lacked the truth. If one thinks of another as inferior to even the truth, that is one situation that causes deep fear. This fear is the fear of white supremacy and her struggle causes us to invest in her struggle by questioning and empathize.
Works Cited (Multicultural Literature in Italy, Pg. 52)
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Papers by Austin Bryla
Upon the construction of a framework for Renewal, a pressing issue emerges in a necessity for change amidst a conflict when evaluating a present cultural tradition’s existence under present contextual conditions. A product of an overlaying dominant culture that is simply consumed reflects a “cheap, mass-produced imitation of the elite style,” but an alternate route is to remix this product rather than reject it completely. (McDannell, pg.164) A Remix generally must be accessible to the collective, consistent with inward truth while opposing dominant structures, and create cultural products through active participation. Generally, the human experience must be utilized in guiding the space to the light, for an eventual transformation. Any rubric for renewal must be Prophetic, Pedagogical and Participatory. A sufficient example of an outline for remixing institutions are the three levels of interaction provided by Quaker philosopher Alastair Mcintosh. Mcintosh claims all are equally significant in preventing human imbalance with the sacred, The Social Level: The Psychological Level: The Spiritual Level.
Upon reflection of this particular excerpt, evidence suggests that the primary conflict in this passage highlights the horrendous nature of white supremacy, gender norms and colorism. This passage echoes a daughter’s deepening struggle of balancing self-determination and the wishes of her mother, a struggle similar those bearing physical features such as melanin in their lineage against a society working against them that deems it abnormal. The present situation in this text mirrors the horrendous nature of race and gender supremacism motivating micro aggressions, as well as the resulting internal shivering of one’s own self -conscious in the event dealing with acceptance of their skin and body. A socially influenced self-conscious issue within bloodline can also pass on in families and generations too, telepathically rubbing off from one to another. The purpose of this text is to highlight the underlying dehumanizing experience of a socially influenced identity crisis with Viola as the victim to her mother’s non-verbal aggressions that imply Viola is a product and therefore should be treated as a product that fits her own desires.
One could assume the relationship of mothers and daughters is an ideal wonder in the making, given we stereotypically see the mother as the caregiver and the daughter as the princess. On the contrary, it is not always as positive as we may have been taught to believe. This particular situation highlights the struggle with self-determination, highlighted by the mere first sentence. Noticeably, the first word is a question in its own sense because she simply states the color followed by a question mark with no preceding elements, signaling confusion and significance to the color white. The question mark signifies the constant questioning of the situation and her identity, while the purpose of using of the color white is to highlight a subject of this questioning.
Since the subject of the question is simply the color white, it calls for the reader to immediately interpret the significance and definition of white without any specifics. Ironically, this purposely causes us to experience a taste of her experience by refraining from details in her question because it results in our desperation for a clear explanation of an intent, just as she desired from her mother. We begin to ask and consider all the possible reasons of what her point was and why it lacks clarity, because we know there is a purpose for it even without details but we just cannot identify that purpose. This word is also deliberately sitting atop the body of text, as much of the text goes back to that statement of white followed by a question mark. Since it is what begins the paragraph and is an unclear statement, we keep the question in our heads throughout the reading with the hope that reading further will solve our questioning. This continuous uncertainty driven search yet again mirrors Viola’s experience, as throughout her life she likely asked all the questions possible revolving around the color white and why her mother desired for her to be white.
When Viola talks of her mother responding with “My God, You’re so Black!” to her tan, The intent of the word choice such as “My God!” is to highlight the mother’s shock at her daughter’s tan. She immediately follows with “Ah, yeah: the beach, the sea, the sun..the melanin.. It does happen that some people get a tan” in parenthesis. The purpose of this sentence structure is to set the statement up almost as a question without a question mark because Viola is perplexed by the fact her mom thought she would be pale after spending time in the sun, and highlighting her mother’s shock makes us question it as well. In addition, following it with a sarcastic remark further expresses the absurdity of her mom’s shock, because the use of parenthesis singles out the statement as if it’s an answer we all already have in our heads as readers. The use of parenthesis also implies it was left unsaid and only a mental judgement of her mother, intended to keep us questioning her mother’s motives and why she did not respond to it how we expected.
Viola signals the struggle with paternal acceptance, revolving around identity of gender and race. We can see that her mother is unhappy with the dark skin, and she responds by trying desperately to shape her daughter into something she is authentically not. This is implied by her ironic word choice of “solution” following the reaction to imply it was seen as a problem needing to be fixed by her mother without calling it so, who then immediately responds by buying her a substantial amount of sunscreen to “protect” her.
Viola connects this to an even bigger issue, as she details the other products her mother bought an “arsenal” of “chemicals” for herself such as wrinkling cream, cellulite, and dental whitening powder. This highlights her mom’s obsession with her image and again trying to change the unchangeable because it shows not only is her wish for her daughter to be white but her own body looking young. This brings light to social gender and racial norms, that one must be white without wrinkles or aging features to be beautiful, even if it means that one must “poison” authenticity with products. Viola’s use of pink and white further emphasis on gender norms, as pink and white are princess and bridal like colors. Melanin is dark, and therefore is inferior to her mother. Viola has talked previously about her mom forcing her to wear pink to sow it was clear she was a girl, even though Viola did not wish to.
In conclusion, when all these elements come together, it shows a clear judgement of absurdity of her mother’s struggle with reality. One cannot simply live life forever and not age, just as one cannot have a baby with an Indian and it be completely white. Her question at the end furthers her thought of absurdity with her mom’s fantasy about enjoying benefits such as marriage and life without making sacrifices for them. The fact she doesn’t express her disgust with her shows that Viola is only responding the way her mom initiated, which is underneath. This is likely because of a conscious struggle, since her mom was obviously disgusted of melanin but never bluntly stated that, she instead gave signs that were through actions but lacked the truth. If one thinks of another as inferior to even the truth, that is one situation that causes deep fear. This fear is the fear of white supremacy and her struggle causes us to invest in her struggle by questioning and empathize.
Works Cited
(Multicultural Literature in Italy, Pg. 52)
Drafts by Austin Bryla
Upon the construction of a framework for Renewal, a pressing issue emerges in a necessity for change amidst a conflict when evaluating a present cultural tradition’s existence under present contextual conditions. A product of an overlaying dominant culture that is simply consumed reflects a “cheap, mass-produced imitation of the elite style,” but an alternate route is to remix this product rather than reject it completely. (McDannell, pg.164) A Remix generally must be accessible to the collective, consistent with inward truth while opposing dominant structures, and create cultural products through active participation. Generally, the human experience must be utilized in guiding the space to the light, for an eventual transformation. Any rubric for renewal must be Prophetic, Pedagogical and Participatory. A sufficient example of an outline for remixing institutions are the three levels of interaction provided by Quaker philosopher Alastair Mcintosh. Mcintosh claims all are equally significant in preventing human imbalance with the sacred, The Social Level: The Psychological Level: The Spiritual Level.
Upon reflection of this particular excerpt, evidence suggests that the primary conflict in this passage highlights the horrendous nature of white supremacy, gender norms and colorism. This passage echoes a daughter’s deepening struggle of balancing self-determination and the wishes of her mother, a struggle similar those bearing physical features such as melanin in their lineage against a society working against them that deems it abnormal. The present situation in this text mirrors the horrendous nature of race and gender supremacism motivating micro aggressions, as well as the resulting internal shivering of one’s own self -conscious in the event dealing with acceptance of their skin and body. A socially influenced self-conscious issue within bloodline can also pass on in families and generations too, telepathically rubbing off from one to another. The purpose of this text is to highlight the underlying dehumanizing experience of a socially influenced identity crisis with Viola as the victim to her mother’s non-verbal aggressions that imply Viola is a product and therefore should be treated as a product that fits her own desires.
One could assume the relationship of mothers and daughters is an ideal wonder in the making, given we stereotypically see the mother as the caregiver and the daughter as the princess. On the contrary, it is not always as positive as we may have been taught to believe. This particular situation highlights the struggle with self-determination, highlighted by the mere first sentence. Noticeably, the first word is a question in its own sense because she simply states the color followed by a question mark with no preceding elements, signaling confusion and significance to the color white. The question mark signifies the constant questioning of the situation and her identity, while the purpose of using of the color white is to highlight a subject of this questioning.
Since the subject of the question is simply the color white, it calls for the reader to immediately interpret the significance and definition of white without any specifics. Ironically, this purposely causes us to experience a taste of her experience by refraining from details in her question because it results in our desperation for a clear explanation of an intent, just as she desired from her mother. We begin to ask and consider all the possible reasons of what her point was and why it lacks clarity, because we know there is a purpose for it even without details but we just cannot identify that purpose. This word is also deliberately sitting atop the body of text, as much of the text goes back to that statement of white followed by a question mark. Since it is what begins the paragraph and is an unclear statement, we keep the question in our heads throughout the reading with the hope that reading further will solve our questioning. This continuous uncertainty driven search yet again mirrors Viola’s experience, as throughout her life she likely asked all the questions possible revolving around the color white and why her mother desired for her to be white.
When Viola talks of her mother responding with “My God, You’re so Black!” to her tan, The intent of the word choice such as “My God!” is to highlight the mother’s shock at her daughter’s tan. She immediately follows with “Ah, yeah: the beach, the sea, the sun..the melanin.. It does happen that some people get a tan” in parenthesis. The purpose of this sentence structure is to set the statement up almost as a question without a question mark because Viola is perplexed by the fact her mom thought she would be pale after spending time in the sun, and highlighting her mother’s shock makes us question it as well. In addition, following it with a sarcastic remark further expresses the absurdity of her mom’s shock, because the use of parenthesis singles out the statement as if it’s an answer we all already have in our heads as readers. The use of parenthesis also implies it was left unsaid and only a mental judgement of her mother, intended to keep us questioning her mother’s motives and why she did not respond to it how we expected.
Viola signals the struggle with paternal acceptance, revolving around identity of gender and race. We can see that her mother is unhappy with the dark skin, and she responds by trying desperately to shape her daughter into something she is authentically not. This is implied by her ironic word choice of “solution” following the reaction to imply it was seen as a problem needing to be fixed by her mother without calling it so, who then immediately responds by buying her a substantial amount of sunscreen to “protect” her.
Viola connects this to an even bigger issue, as she details the other products her mother bought an “arsenal” of “chemicals” for herself such as wrinkling cream, cellulite, and dental whitening powder. This highlights her mom’s obsession with her image and again trying to change the unchangeable because it shows not only is her wish for her daughter to be white but her own body looking young. This brings light to social gender and racial norms, that one must be white without wrinkles or aging features to be beautiful, even if it means that one must “poison” authenticity with products. Viola’s use of pink and white further emphasis on gender norms, as pink and white are princess and bridal like colors. Melanin is dark, and therefore is inferior to her mother. Viola has talked previously about her mom forcing her to wear pink to sow it was clear she was a girl, even though Viola did not wish to.
In conclusion, when all these elements come together, it shows a clear judgement of absurdity of her mother’s struggle with reality. One cannot simply live life forever and not age, just as one cannot have a baby with an Indian and it be completely white. Her question at the end furthers her thought of absurdity with her mom’s fantasy about enjoying benefits such as marriage and life without making sacrifices for them. The fact she doesn’t express her disgust with her shows that Viola is only responding the way her mom initiated, which is underneath. This is likely because of a conscious struggle, since her mom was obviously disgusted of melanin but never bluntly stated that, she instead gave signs that were through actions but lacked the truth. If one thinks of another as inferior to even the truth, that is one situation that causes deep fear. This fear is the fear of white supremacy and her struggle causes us to invest in her struggle by questioning and empathize.
Works Cited
(Multicultural Literature in Italy, Pg. 52)