Who would think of "space" as a site of resistance? And, I don't just mean physical locality, I also mean our bodies, music, cinema, or anything else. Would you think of words in the same manner? Maybe so, but for black folks, defying the odds has always represented resistance. I just heard on the radio about Ray Charles being banned from the State of Georgia for over twenty years because he refused to play in segregated venues. Yet, he initially thought, "I can't do anything about it. I'm just an entertainer." Which act of resistance resonated the most with you in this unit, and has it inspired more resistance in your current space or place? Please explain.
Due: Fri., 3/31/17 by the beginning of class.
Queen Sugar written and directed by Ava DuVernay held many different "spaces" that viewers could relate to within its first episode. A few would be the young man that was trying to fend for his son. With doing so forces him back into old habits. This is good representation of what people go through once released from jail. The system makes it hard for people that have prior convictions to get a good job. Although it had not been made clear if that is why he was doing it, one couldn't help but compare the two situations. Next we see the father of the family who is a farmer with a terminal illness. Another interesting space would be the sister who is not only dating a Caucasian man, but a married Caucasian man at that. Not much is said about that in the first episode but I am sure viewers want to learn more. Out of all the different avenues and stories, the one I appreciated the most would the portrayal of an African American woman married to an athlete. I loved this because women who date athletes are always looked at as just pretty faces and arm candy. Charley West was portrayed as a very classy woman with her own that held down the household when things started to get rough. Her character defiantly inspired me the most because as someone who dates an athlete, it shows that you can still do you and be about your business and not all about a man. There may be some sacrifices along the way but you can still get your degree and maintain a good head on your shoulder without losing who you are. Sometimes I indulge in shows such as Basketball Wives and whiles these woman may have their own careers and not depend solely on their rich husbands, it shows African American woman in a negative light where there is a lack of class and sophistication which is why I appreciated the character of Charley. Not only was she beautiful, but well-educated and elegant as well.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of space, I don't think of it as a matter of our bodies, music, or cinema. I think of space as physical locality, but as this unit when on and we learned about all the platforms that Ava DuVernay and Cheo Hodari Coker used to make a statement; it makes sense to think of space as a platform and not just physical locality. For me, I believe that Ava DuVernay with 13th, Jay-Z with the the Khalief Bowder Story, and I am Not your Negro has inspired more resistance in my current space. In a way I have always been aware of the problems that goes on in the black communities. I have also read books by Malcolm X and Tupac Shakur which I think was the start of my resistance, but I never took into consideration that I had a platform, and my platform is social media. I think since the kills of unarmed black men, women, and children have been happening to often, and then Donald Trump becoming the president, and all of America's racist ways coming from the shadows it kind of makes you resonate this resistance. I believe that its kind of hard just to sit back and watch. In today day and age, I believe that everyone must fight and use their social media as a platform to spread that resistance.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that space has more to do with the physical space that you inhabit. Film maker use the space that they are in to create films that resist popular culture. I can't wait to watch the Kaleif Browder story, produced and narrated by Jay-Z. He is also using his space as a Hip Hop legend to make a younger generation aware of the inequalities that have plagued our society for years. I haven't figured out for sure yet how I will use my space to inflict social change. I get frustrated because I do share and post a lot on social media, but that's not doing much! This assignment has really forced me to examine what I am going to do to change the perception of others.
DeleteI think that Ava DuVernay's works and learning more about her as a person and a filmmaker was very interesting to me. One of her works that really stood out to me was her directions of Queen Sugar. The opened up so many spaces that are culturally relavent to today's day and time. Each scene had it's own unique space and told it's own personal story. The father getting back into old and bad habits to take care of his son, the father, very sick but stay strong for the family, a sister living a life of openness and freeness and also married outside of her race and another sister that has the "dream" life married to a basketball star, big house, great kid, nice car, and the finer things in life. DuVernay brings to life every situation in rich detail just about. She shows a space that a family living different lives and struggling and striving in their own different ways but I can tell that something tragic is going to be the cause of them coming together and having to put aside whatever differences that they may have and work together to solve the issues. Her spaces in the t.v series expresses hardships, emotions, stubbornness, resistance, and love.
ReplyDeleteIn our society, it critical to take a stand and resist to give up one’s beliefs despite trials and tribulations. In my opinion, the act of resistance that resonated the most with me was how Gabrielle Union resisted to accept the depression that stemmed from her divorce, which was demonstrated by her independence from men’s emotional control as the film progressed. This resonated with me the most because I know as women it is easy to let men dictate and control our emotions. At the beginning of Ava DuVernay’s The Door, it depicts Gabrielle Union as a brokenhearted divorcee. With the help and support of her diligent and caring friends, she got through the pain she was experiencing. The women in this short film were self-made independent black women who did not need the assistance of a man to survive. I feel that is a key aspect of resistance because some women resist to accept the fact that they can support themselves autonomously. In this film, it is apparent that women can support one another without the presence of a man at all. I feel as though one of the greatest weapons women have is our independence and aspiration for self-awareness.
ReplyDeletehttps://static.wixstatic.com/media/524dad_5bd52fee05fb4b7da1dfae89f21fc7ea.jpg
http://thegreendivas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/shutterstock_93400924.jpg
http://laaltain.com/ibtidah/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Women-Empowerment.jpg
I think that POC especially black people would use space as a site of resistance. I think that music in particular is a form of space that we use as a coping mechanism for many things. It often times is an outlet for external and internal conflicts that many of us are faced with. For example Hip Hop has been used as an outlet for domestic violence and spousal rape. An example of this is in a song called "Love Is Blind" by EVE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm3wsHstlAc). This song is a portrayal of an abusive relationship that her best friend endured and escaped from. Music for black people has always been used as an escape from reality or to paint a picture of things that are actually occuring in their lives
ReplyDeleteFrom this unit the piece that resonated with me was the Luke Cage show, along with the article. This is the case because Luke Cage and I share similarities. We are both large African American males. He was subjected to profiling and was "intimidating" and often made other males feel as if they were emasculated. I relate to the racial profiling part. I think having my size and skin color I am guilty by default. Often times when I am in the store I feel as if I am being watched as if I were likely to rob the place or steal something. Luke Cage was profiled and accused of a crime he did not commit. Also, many other people that had similarities to the description of Luke Cage were showed to be profiled in the show. The police officers were shown grabbing them by their arms to forcefully turn them around to see if that was him. I think that these pieces have inspired me to just live my life and not be in fear of being profiled for just being me and trying to be a consumer.
Growing up all through life and witnessing some events that happened in my life at a very young age, makes me realize that we as a whole leave room or space for people to come in and do what they want. In today's society people say they want to stand up and speak out about the issues that are going on in the country; but just saying what you have to say and not having any action with it allows for people to come and ruin what you have worked for. We resist standing up and speaking out because we are afraid of what others might say or think. I like that Ava DuVernay is known as being a new generation filmmaker and steps outside or the box, making it known what she is exactly talking about; allowing there to be an understanding. I love that she just started out trying something and it became a huge success for her, she did not allow any one to come into her space and ruin the intentions and plans that she's made for herself. I think that Ava DuVernay's "The Door", has a huge impact on not just my life but I would believe any woman that see's this film. I think this film stuck out to me because it shows a woman who has been torn down emotionally and because of her letting the right people in her space that allows a positive energy to flow through her; they begin to help her heal and she realizes that the her marriage did not make her the person that she was or wondering "why am I so upset about something that could be change?". I just don't think that women especially today's generation understand the worth of their lives and that they should allow what kind of people and things the let happen in their space because if you allow negativity to happen around you its going to start affecting your life as well. I think that Ava DuVernay did an awesome job with explaining how you should stand up for what you want and allowing positive people and interactions. I remember her telling the reporter during her interview that in order for her to start a film she has to get the story down first; that means to me that you have to get the facts right and know exactly what you are talking about. This society could be so much better if we all took time to get the story down first before we just jump to reactions and we not even know the true meaning of what we are standing up for, we need to do research on what we allow ourselves to entertain and what we allow to be in our space or in our place of comfort.
ReplyDeleteBlack Americans are beautiful people. We’re wonderful, resourceful, but most importantly, we’re resilient. Despite the inhumanity of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and post-slavery brutality, Black Americans authored a culture of their own. They were given almost nothing, yet they transformed their scraps into delicacy. Today, our culture consistently dominates popular media. And it continues to do so in a way that is so different and captivating, the rest of the world is left stunned. For example, our music invokes emotions and thoughts so deep and powerful that non-black people have been copying it for decades.
ReplyDeleteAssata Shakur escaping prison and fleeing The United States is perhaps boldest act of Black resistance I have ever heard of. Escaping prison was bold enough, but escaping the government and defying a global power like the United States? It’s staggering to learn about. Shakur is a Black woman who escaped the confinements of capitalism, police brutality, and white supremacy by resisting with all the strength in her body, and then some. If she can stand up for herself and her cause, despite the huge obstacles in her way, then what’s holding me back? She makes the impenetrable walls in my life seem less threatening. She reveals that the impossible is actually quite possible.
Black Americans are constantly creating our own spaces while fighting against oppressive forces. Those spaces are so diverse and expanse. We created safe spaces in the kitchen, creating some of the most flavorful food humanity has ever tasted. We did it in our literature, writing books so profound and prolific that they get passed down through generations. And of course, in the recording studio, crafting timeless musical pieces with universal themes and global impact, changing the world forever. Our very existence today is resistance. We were never expected to last this long, especially in the capacity we do today. There is still much work to be done, however our tremendous progress is undeniable. We’ve come so far, and just knowing this, inspires me to push through whatever adversity I may face in my lifetime.
In the following video, Nina Simone speaks of how she must spread that Blackness is beautiful, through both her music and herself. She must persuade Black people by “hook or crook to get more aware of themselves and where they came from.” This is Simone’s ultimate goal for both her career and life.
“We are the most beautiful creatures in the whole world, Black people. And I mean that in every sense. Outside and inside.”
-Nina Simone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ClwX7oyXk
Black people has also created spaces in the barbershop and hair salons. I know for me when I go to a barbershop with my brother or the hair salon with my mother it always feels like home. It has always has felt as if it was a safe place just like pop barber shop in Luke Cage. I thin those type of establishments give us a voice in a way because people are able to come and relax and speak about issues or gossip or whatever is trending. For example, I think BarberShop 3 was a great example of how they used that space to stop gang violence and bring awareness in the city of Chicago. And, I agree with you our existence today is resistance, and I believe that this should be inspiration for all black people to know because we can get through anything.
DeleteEvery time black people want to do something for themselves it seems to be a problem. If a school has a black student union, people ask why there isn’t a white student union. Black Lives Matter is turned into All Lives Matter. We can’t even have Black History month, not to mention the shortest month of the year, to ourselves without someone complaining how there isn’t a month to celebrate other races. We’re never allowed to have things to ourselves it seems whether it’s our music, bodies or cinema. We see these “spaces” as a means of uplifting our people and just highlighting our accomplishments. It’s just a way of showing that we as a people are great after so many years of oppression and self hate, but people on the outside looking in see it as a form of resistance. They call it “defying the odds”; we call it “black excellence”.
ReplyDeleteIn Luke Cage is where I found an act of resistance that resonated with me the most. Although Luke Cage is already at risk of being caught, he sees a store begin robbed and decides to stop in and help. One of the robbers shoots him, but since he is bulletproof, the bullets ricochet off of him and leave bullet holes in his sweater. In the following days everyone can be seen walking down the street with the same sweater containing bullet holes. Not only is this a way of making a statement, but it is dangerous. Countless people are stopped in suspect of being Luke Cage. They are putting their lives on the line to stand up for a cause, especially in this day in age where police officers are known to shoot, before investigating. This has inspired more resistance in my current place. All kinds of people have watched Luke Cage, so it is bound to have had an effect on them whether it is making them more aware of the injustice in the community or ways to stand up and make a statement.
The scene where they all are wearing hoodies with bullet holes to make a statement is similar to how after Trayvon Martin died, everyone began taking pictures lying on the ground with a can of Arizona Iced Tea and Skittles, the items that Trayvon was buying before he was shot. Both instances show an act of resistance and unity. Both are pictured below.
Trayvon Martin:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b2/c7/0f/b2c70f98a9fba29cadd027740caaee8d.jpg
https://suchatpederson.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/trayvon-01.jpg?w=1024
Luke Cage:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRbmJkdHJXx0XNKgkTupiHdYvGKWoZPxqPCP_8XtcCIK7BxsvuN
During this unit, we have learned about several acts of resistance, for example, in Ava DuVernay's short film, "The Door", Gabrielle Union's friends in the movie refused for her to be depressed and dispirited after her divorce. Their resistance showed empowerment, strength, and the competence to do better. Also, in Marvel's Luke Cage, Mike Colter (actor who played Luke Cage), expresses resistance through his apparel. In our class discussion, we talked about how in today's culture, wearing hoodies became criminalized because it looks threatening and conceals identity. So, going back to Cage's "hoodie-wearing" as a symbol of resistance, he makes a statement by representing black lives like Trayvon Martin, going against the odds of mainstream culture, as well as representing the art of hip hop. The bullet holes in his hoodie was an even bigger emblem of resistance because in my opinion, it shows that black people refuse to have our black victims be ignored and forgotten. In the show, Cage's hoodie with the bullet holes became a trend. The black community came together to support Luke Cage, as well as stand up for black rights. Those who lost their lives from the bullets from our "protection" deserved to be symbolized through any way possible and through the bullet holes in Cage's hoodie, it shows just that. Can you tell that through Luke Cage that this act of resistance resonated with me the most? Watching this Netflix series, as well as discussing it in class, really opened my eyes to what this show was all about. I have not had a chance to watch other episodes, but I definitely plan to! Just through this one, Dr. Jackson allowed me to realize certain subliminal, but significant messages (i.e. the safe space/importance in a barbershop). After watching this episode, I've even had the idea of buying a hoodie for myself, customizing it with holes, and not only wearing it as a symbol of resistance, but with style. After Luke Cage switched hoodies with Method Man, he showed appreciation, excitement, and pride. Through this apparel, that is how i want to show my inspiration. I've always been the type to resist and help others resist against certain things in life that just cannot be tolerated like disrespect and pure pressure. Even though I've never been in a situation or helped others in a situation where they had to resist to save their own lives or anything in that matter, I still believe that once you start resisting the little things, it's a good practice to resist the bigger ones.
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/vYTgyH0u3zE
As I mentioned before, Method Man was so honored to have Luke Cage's jacket. This was the start of the trend. He was proud to wear his hoodie with bullet holes in support of Cage and black lives. This scene is from the episode Dr. Jackson had us watch for class.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/police-shootings-2017/
In this news article, it shows how many people have been shot by police in 2015, 2016, and 2017 through statistics and charts.
While watching the series Luke Cage, this concept on “space” played a huge role when sharing different experiences that people can relate to. The character Pop’s played the role of the owner of the barbershop, while also being a father figure to most of the young gentlemen who came to get their hair cut. The space that Pop’s and Luke Cage created for them was like a home away from home, while also giving them the chance to be in the presence of hard working men who dedicated their lives to doing honest work. Many of us have seen these types of spaces within our own communities whether it be the hair salon or the barbershop.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I noticed while watching Luke Cage was the space they created with the well known club called the Cotton Club. This historical club was created in Harlem where African American musicians, artist, and poets would gather and share their music and ideas. When looking back in history these types of spaces, like the Cotton Club help birth some of the most talented African American performers while also giving them a platform to show their talent. The series Luke Cage, directed by Cheo Hodari Coker created “spaces” that expressed violence, black on black crime, police brutality and also hardships that happens on a day to day basis in the black community.
Space as an object of resistance has been utilized throughout African American culture to disturb the peace and create a space for Black and Brown people to contradict common perceptions. Throughout this unit we have seen many people use their space to resist stereotypes, economic oppression, and social inequality. After reviewing this chapter, I've realized that everyone occupies space in the world, regardless of how unimportant you may believe that you are. Whether that be a film publicist turned film director/activist, or a Harlem gang member turned superhero with unbreakable skin, the space that they inhabit can inevitably change the perception that people may have.
ReplyDeleteAva DuVernay was approached my Prada to produce and direct a short film to advertise their new Spring Campaign. DuVernay used this opportunity to display Black women in a way that is unfamiliar to both Prada's consumers, and typically most consumers. She strategically chose five completely different types of Black women in order to explore their complexity. Each women wore her hair in a different style accompanied with a different "attitude". DuVernay used the space that she inhabits to provide a space for Black men and women to be represented as more complex characters than what is typically displayed. She is able to create Black men and woman who represent dignitaries because there is no outside input from anyone else. Forward Movement, her production and distribution company provides Duvernay and other Black film makers the opportunity to construct films that represent REAL Black people.
Cheo Hardari Coker uses his space as a Black film maker and Hip Hop enthusiast, to offer a counter-narrative to the tragic deaths of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. Coker is resisting the same stereotypes that DuVernay is, however he is doing it an a completely different way. He is illustrating a Black man that can not be harmed by the bullet of an exuberant vigilante nor the bullet or beatings of a terrified trigger happy police. For 58 minutes, viewers are able to escape into a Utopian society in which they see themselves as invincible. For example, if Assata Shakur had bulletproof skin, she wouldn't suffer from a debilitating limp arm. It is obvious that no one can have unbreakable skin, however Coker is providing a safe and enjoyable space for people to talk about the uncomfortable reality. Through this show, Black men/women are united by a common theme, and White people are forced to face prejudices that lie within. This space is absolutely necessary in order to bridge the gap between popular film and create change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ08jEI7ZhQ
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ReplyDeleteThe act of resistance of Ava DuVernay going into the film industry and just making it her own playground resonated with me. The fact that she took a different route of showing black women in a positive light than how Hollywood shows black women. As a black woman going into the accounting profession, I know the amount of resistance I could possibly face. I just know that I have to keep pushing forward and maintain a positive reputation. Although my counterparts in the workplace will have their unconscious biases about African-Americans, especially African-American women, I want to rise above the stereotypes and be seen as an individual who is breaking barriers by having my CPA license since less than 1% of African Americans have the CPA license. I plan to be resistant against biases by outperforming my counterparts, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone just like Ava DuVernay.
ReplyDeleteFor information on unconscious bias and its effects in the workplace:
https://diversity.ucsf.edu/resources/unconscious-bias
https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/~/media/Files/documents/executive-development/unc-white-paper-the-real-effects-of-unconscious-bias-in-the-workplace-Final
In this unit, one of the things that stood out to me was the Luke Cage series. Cheo Hardari Coker created a series that gave strength to black people that we are neglected everyday. Coker created the resistance by having Luke Cage be bullet proof and he always wears a hoodie which is very relevant and ironic in our society. Trayvon Martin was shot for wearing a hoodie which made people feel threatened. In Queen Sugar, there was space created by resistance when "Pop" died and the kids wouldn't let their father's farm go to the white man that offered them a lot of money. Throughout the series, they were faced with white supremacy every time they tried to advanced their fathers land. They would never be submissive to the white man's pressure and they refused to go down without a fight. Everyday in our society, African Americans are creating that space to not conform to what we are seen in society. It is inevitable for us to create that space because if we want to be seen as superior, we have to stand up for ourselves.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGiTVSI4zR4
Throughout this unit we examined a couple of acts of resistance. One dealing with Ava DuVernay and the other dealing with Luke Cage.
ReplyDeleteFor example, Ava DuVernay's short film "The Door" that we watched, she made Gabrielle Union show resistance by refusing to go out with her friends and allowing them to understand what was wrong with her, she just wanted to be stuck in the house being down. She was content and Ava DuVernay made sure she showed it by having several of Gabrielle Unions friends come by to check on her. I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve, so when something bothers me I tend to shut things and people out and just want to be by myself and hold stuff in that bothers me. This was shown in the short film, and I feel like it is really prevalent in a lot of young woman lives and a lot of them could relate.
Now in Luke Cage, Cheo Hodari Coker showed resistance by having his lead character which is a black superhero wear a black hoodie which represented the significance of the passing of Trayvon Martin. The hoodie shows that the stereotype that is placed on black people and the negative thoughts that come along with them aren't always right. Hoodies are worn for multiple reasons and just because somebody has a hoodie on doesn't mean that they are a dangerous person. Also Coker shows that Luke Cage is bullet proof, the total opposite of what everyone thinks and sees. Black men are always getting shot, and Luke Cage is showing that its not always a bad situation he doesn't die.
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Resistance to me isn’t just about defying one’s opposition in order to forward yourself for an overall purpose. It’s also about living a life that you know will bring hardship and possibly suffering. The fact that people will put themselves through these obstacles truly shows how much impact resistance makes in a setting when carried out correctly. In this unit, the greatest example of resistance that I personally admired was the narrative about Assata Shakur. Resistance in this piece of literature seems almost normal, seeing as Assata was taught to resist life’s negativities since she was a child. Resistance here is also a form of authority that Assata and her grandmother use to earn the respect that blacks wouldn’t normally receive. Her Grandmother says “don’t you respect nobody that don’t respect you.” This form of resistance is similar to the strategies that Malcolm X used to dignify the black community. (Source 1) Assata’s family shows resistance by making sure she stays well educated to avoid being oppressed by society. This too is a message conveyed by Malcom X. (Source 2) Since a sense of dignity and awareness is inscribed into Assata at such a young age, she is a physical representation of resistance, and is the example of what a generation of dignified people look like. Assata’s narrative inspires resistance in me, seeing as the black community today is still undereducated and discriminated. I resist these obstacles by going to college to potentially place myself in a better positon than the average black man. We aren’t educated enough about how low in society we stand compared to other races. (Source 3) If we are informed about this issue, then a form of resistance that Assata’s narrative displays starts to formulate, and the outcome would produce a group of people who wouldn’t let themselves be mortified by negative forces.
ReplyDeleteSource 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HGr-UJSf9k
Source 2: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/184510
Source 3: https://www.dol.gov/_sec/media/reports/blacklaborforce/
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ReplyDeleteThe acts of resistance that stood out to me the most from this unit are that of Ava DuVernay and Assata Shakur. These two incredibly strong black women exemplify what that "space" represents. Ms. DuVernay has basically created her own space in which she can specifically cater to people of color and women. She has broken down barriers, shattered glass ceilings all while not even being traditionally trained in her field. She is deliberately using her platform as a way to promote positivity within minorities not just in the United States, but around the world. I love how she decided to not pay attention to the rules of Hollywood, but she instead chose to make her own rules and in doing that she has easily become one of the most diverse amongst screen writers and directors. I have admired Ava DuVernay for quite some time and to see all that she has done while being a double minority, she has inspired me to not limit myself to one thing or talent that I have. I know that I can utilize my full potential in a variety of different ways even if one of the ways is not conventional for me. As I am a creative writing major I do not just have to write for a living. I can take my degree anywhere and use it however as well as for the betterment of black people. I don’t have to follow the set path that creative writing majors take and be a teacher, I can break barriers, resist the norm, and be a game changer like Ava DuVernay.
ReplyDeleteAssata Shakur is another person who has shown an incredible act of resistance in this unit and I think that she did so not just by resisting to give up her information but also by telling her story. As I was reading about her and the incident with the New Jersey State Troopers, I immediately noticed how strong she was and how her strength got stronger as the situation progressed. She knew she was in deep trouble but she still kept her composure and she still refused to give them what they wanted from her. By choosing not to give up any of her personal details, she held on to her power and by doing this she had power over the troopers to some degree. She was physically poked and verbally abused but she still did not crack and let her strength sustain her in that horrific situation. She knew she was badly hurt and could possibly die but that did not change anything. She also showed resistance in telling her story of the things that happened to her and doing so very well at that. Whenever something of that serious matter happens, there is no two sides of the story. A cop killer is always in the wrong and cannot be seen any other way. That is how the police want it to go and most of the time it does, but in this case Assata Shakur chose to share her story with the world from her point of view and let it be known what really happened. In doing this, Assata Shakur has inspired me to show more resistance in situations where I feel I have been wronged and to do so with strength and have the intent on making a change happen. She has inspired me to use the space I have been given and to delve deeper into my writing to explore all the possible things I could write about. I do not have to write just to share my stories with other people, but I can write to help share the stories of those people who have gone through inhumane things and put their story out there for the world to hear.
I was first introduced to Ava DuVernay in this class and I am truly inspired by her statement of purpose. Her ambition allowed her to fearlessly create her own space, which led to her being the successful independent film director that she is today. Her strength and wisdom to invest in herself and her people should be admirable to any minority who feels as though their people are shunned by society. Hearing about her purpose and the achievements that came along with it, I became even more proud of being a member of two startup businesses that look to tell stories of the black experience for the black experience. About a year ago, two of my friends founded their own film production companies (FireX Studios and J.I. Productions)here in Greensboro. I am currently affiliated with both agencies and FireX Studios is presently shooting a film written, directed, and produced by an African American woman, featuring a majority African American cast,and starring me! The film is called Misguided and is supposed to premiere later on in the year. I am forever grateful to be member of these two teams and, at every staff meeting, I congratulate my friends on taking the initiative to start these institutions and to write these narratives, because, as my mother always said "If you want it done, you gotta do it yourself, especially if you want it done right." I will always be an advocate for the exposure of the black experience, whether it be through my acting or my own writing. And I am marveled by those like-minded advocates like Ava DuVernay and Spike Lee who paved the way for the upcoming directors and artists who want to carry on the legacy of our beings.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to the trailer of Misguided: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRGf52ZdFvk
The act of resistance is a very powerful thing, especially in the community of African-Americans. Being able to recognize your own self power and using it is a great tool that us as black people have. In this unit, one of the most acts of resistance that stood out to me was from Luke Cage. Cheo Hodari Coker did an excellent job in depicting the unity of the African-American male population of that community. For one, Luke Cage is already bullet proof which is not the norm especially when it comes to black people. In the present day, it seems as though bullets are magnetic to black males. On top of Luke Cage being bullet proof, the males of that town were able to come together to show the police force that they were on his side. The use of the hoodies with the bullet holes was not only smart from a violence aspect, but it was also in recognition and memory of Trayvon Martin who was shot and killed because he seemed as a threat because of the attire he was wearing. With everyone wearing the hoodies, it was showing resistance to the police force, indicating that they were not scared to take a stand for Luke Cage.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.indiewire.com/2016/09/luke-cage-marvel-netflix-hoodie-1201731764/
Black expressionism birthed the “safe space” platform. For Black Americans, being true to our identity required inventing avenues to tell our narratives and allow ourselves dynamic. That required separation from the classic Hollywood lens. That lens is a narrow one that sub-humanizes Black existence. Any work that defies that “white gaze” is its own act of resistance. While I admire Cheo Hodari Coker for his act of resistance in decriminalizing being a Black man in America, it is something I can only relate to emotionally and intellectually. I am not a Black man. I am a Black woman. On a personal level, perhaps even a soul level, I relate to Ava DuVernay’s work. She gives Black women a voice, and does so without the, for lack of better words, #Alllivesmatter approach to feminism. She provides a platform for it to just be about us. It’s about our experiences, our hardships, our existential revelations, our attachments, our pain, our struggles, our triumphs. Most importantly it’s from OUR perspective. I think I’m mostly impressed with how organic she is in her approach to all this. She doesn’t go knocking on any else’s door asking to be heard. In her words it’s her house she’s building. I find it really black girl magic of her. When there’s no lane to drive in make one. I find it all really beautiful. It has me pondering on where the magic is within me. At this stage in my life I’m really about living in my own truth. It seems like some of the most praiseworthy Black women were first brave, idealistic and risky. Being willing to follow your passions is key. Being willing to be YOU is success. You don’t always have to go by the book.
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First of all, this class has introduced me to new shows and concepts. I would have to say that the story that we read that stuck out the most to me would be the Assata Shakur story. She is the godmother of Tupac Shakur and a member of the black panther party. We discussed her wanted poster and how they worded the descriptions and things on it. They were using words like "heavily armed" and "terrorist", words that make you forget she's a 135 pound woman. It validated everything being said about pure racism in this country. And the fact that public officials are trying to get her back in the U.S. to arrest her is truly disgusting. The shows I love and Queen Sugar and Luke Cage. Both of these shows represent the socially conscious side of society. Luke cage presented different symbolisms with the Trayvon Martin case. They wore hoodies to symbolize the blatant racism. It speaks to a more powerful message in terms of waking people up to what's going on.
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ReplyDeleteAfrican Americans have always created our own "spaces" for us to express ourself. Whether it was a physical space or non-tangible safe spaces, oppression has caused us to create these spaces out of necessity. The show Luke cage had plenty some examples of how important safe spaces can be to be black community. Pops' barbershop was a somewhere that anybody in the neighborhood could come to. Luke knew that whatever was going on he could go to Pops for advice, just like many boys and men go to their barbershops and talks about things that are going on in their lives.
ReplyDeleteAva DuVernay is taking the creation and use of safe creative spaces for African-Americans to the next level with her production company, Forward Movement, and her distribution collective, AFFRM. She is standing up against Hollywood and making a way for other black filmmakers to gain visibility. This act of resistance puts her in the spotlight and helps others at the same time. This resonates with me the most because black people have always struggled to gain proper representation in Hollywood both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Ava DuVernay has created a name for herself to the point where she has no longer has to ask for people to work with her because they are asking her first and instead of taking that and running with it, she is reaching back to help people that are in a position that she was once in.
Often, Blacks and minorities are unaware of the power they possess. Blacks have the power to use the space they are given to make more space—without help or permission. The act of resistance that resonated with me the most in this unit comes from Ava DuVernay and her work as a filmmaker, producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and most importantly, a black woman. DuVernay is a true example of blacks creating their own spaces by becoming a filmmaker with no formal training and making movies that expound on topics such as black history and black women.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways to interpret what “space” is, yet DuVernay tries to conquer every possible explanation with everything she produces. One film DuVernay directed was “The Door,” which was a short film that is about a recent depressed divorcee (Gabrielle Union), who is comforted by a different friend every day. The movie mainly showed how black women are protective of their spaces. But, the beautiful thing was that this silent movie with an all-black female cast only wore clothing from Prada—and looked stunning. Each black woman showcased a different hairstyle/hair texture, skin color, and body type and they were comfortable in their space. Through the complexity of the film and roles of the actresses, we can see the beauty in resistance. Gabrielle Union resisted her friends when they would try to get her to escape from her depressed state but the beauty was in how she slowly stopped resisting and allowed each friend more space than the previous friend who visited.
Ava DuVernay has inspired me to have more resistance in my current space by being selective on who I let in, thus knowing when to resist and when to not. However, to know this, I must be aware and appreciative of my own individual space to know its value. Through movies like this, Ava DuVernay allows blacks to express their frustration with trying to figure out who is worthy of entering their space. I was also inspired to not be so protective of my space that I resist those who love me. The biggest lesson I got from DuVernay in regards to space is to worry about your own. Stay true to yourself while in your space and resist those who are not true to you.
Here is a statement from US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos http://www.morehouse.edu/collegestatements/officeofthepresidentstatementonhbcupresidentsvisittowhitehouse.html. This an example of how blacks must not be gullible when allowing others to enter their space if they are not sure it is being appreciated correctly. HBCU Presidents visited the White House but went in a state of resistance which was warranted. As a result, many were able to catch DeVos’ invalid statement about the creation of HBCUs. HBCUs were not created because newly freed blacks were unhappy with the school choices they had. They were created because they had no choices at all. This is why I admire and credit Ava DuVernay with trying to wholly explain comments like these using her space by way of film making.
Resistance has been a part of African American history and it is also a major theme throughout this unit. We see resistance with Ava DuVernay, being an African American female director, and showing forms of resistance through her film making and her storytelling. She stuck out to me as being an example of resistance because there are very few women filmmakers and even less African American filmmakers. Before this unit, I knew of Ava DuVernay but I really got to learn more about her as well as more of her films during this unit. She has created her own space, her own world in filmmaking. She tells not only notable black history like Selma, but everyday black people like for example Queen Sugar, The 13th. She is also the first African American to win director at Sundance. She is a part of black history. Another work of hers Queen Sugar which we watched in class also gave a black family very complex roles. She played into different aspects of black society. Queen Sugar gave them each person a complex role. We see one of the sisters living the life and marrying a basketball player…but we also see that she is strong and the backbone of that marriage. She is constantly there for him. We see another sister with a white man…need I say more about the portrayal of resistance. Even in 2017 people have issues with interracial dating/marriage, and to show that on a major TV network was daring. We see the son recently getting out of jail and trying to get his life together which we see this a lot in the black community. Finally, we have the father. A very hard working man who owns acres of land and is loving and hardworking you can also tell that he loves and supports his children, this ties into the son as well. With fathers, not being present in a lot of most children’s lives something that is prevalent in the black community not only was it refreshing to see, but having experienced this myself it made me happy to see fathers stepping up and I know this was important to many others as well. Her short film “The Door” for Prada was groundbreaking just to see successful black women of different color, different hairstyles coming together to help their recently divorced friend Gabrielle Union. She had many talented black women play these roles even though they didn’t have “speaking” roles it was beautiful done. Not to mention black women in high fashion beautiful clothes. Growing up I’d never seen black women, in these high fashion magazines, be a pinnacle of what it is to be beautiful and seeing this made me so happy. She showed that black women are successful, beautiful, we care about the wellbeing of our other sisters…we lift each other up and not tear each other down. She broke down so many stereotypes with not only this short film but with a lot of her films. She knew that she had a job to do and that she can reach audiences that aren’t familiar with us as black people as well as our history. I have so much respect for her because she is showing sides of the African American community that some people never get to see.
ReplyDeleteThere was a sense of space between whites and black when it came to "art". That art can be broken down into Hip Hop and cinema. Tupac and Ava DuVernay are 2 examples of space in different aspects. Tupac used his space and platform fighting being called an obscene rapper. It got to the point where the white community grouped racism and misogyny in music together. He stood up against the claims that he had no respect for women with songs like Dear Mama and more. Through film, Ava DuVernay showed how much she can change the views of people just by making one movie. By having majority black cast and making it work money wise, she used that as her platform for her race as a whole. To show the talent and capabilities from African Americans that had been ignored and shunned for so long. The resistance strategy that affected me the most was that of Assata Shakur. No matter the torture, no matter being shot 3 times, she kept fighting and resisting. In my opinion she showed the most fight because she didn't let anything stop her, not even bullets. She fought through being on FBI's most wanted list to fight what she believed in. Learning more about her forced me to look up and research the background story of her in deeper details. She was definitely a fighter that would not take no for an answer and she was respected for that.
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ReplyDeleteOne of the things that stuck out to me during this unit was the Luke Cage episode. While on the radio, Method Man changed the tone of the conversation to have others question the view and backstory of Luke Cage. Method Man, through conversation and rap, sparked a resistance. When all the Black men were walking the streets with holes in their hoodies, I felt that opposition start. It came home for me because it reminds me of how defiance has flourished in Baltimore in the similar ways. Instead of wearing hoodies with holes, they hold up signs, march, and organize sit-ins. It is interesting to see how in both situations that there is no fear. This is essential because now one is able to fully stand up for what he or she believes in. It is inspiring to see how those men in the episode risked being shot by ‘special bullets’ to prove their point. It is also encouraging to watch that same themes unfold in real life. A game changer is the influence that music has. It gives another act of disobedience to the ‘social norm’, which is something we also saw with Radio Raheem in ‘Do the Right Thing’. Another important factor is the unity. Once everyone is on the same mindset and feel the same hostility against the injustice, it brings that group closer together. This is something that music does as well, it creates a safe space to escape and relate. That is what our black community needs more than ever: to continue to relate, unify, and defy together.
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http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2014/11/26/poly-western-students-sit-in-to-protest-ferguson-decision/
I agree that space could be a site of resistance. In Luke cage they used their clothing to represent resistance. They took the hoodie of the bulletproof hero and used it as a symbol showing that they supported Luke cage and what he represented: resistance. I believe this example stood out most to me only because it is the most effective in my eyes. Not only was the hoodie symbol effective the show was put on Netflix angling a specific target audience. Specifically trying to get the audience to create a feeling towards the situation.
ReplyDeleteIn this unit the acts of resistance that resonated the most with me has been the Netflix series Luke Cage and the autobiography of Assata Shakur. The series Luke Cage represents the ultimate hero. We often see heroes portrayed by the media as strong white males. They are seem to be what has become the norm when it comes to versions of heroes. Luke Cage although fiction as many comic book heroes go gives black people an image of representation even in the world of fiction. It is good to see black males and even females represented positively in fiction and television. Luke Cage has principals, good moral character, and demonstrates a sense of how justice should be for everyday people. Although we do see these values in other heroes white male heroes. Luke Cage
ReplyDeleterepresents these values in a hero of color. I had forgotten about the original comic from the 70's and how the character was a representation of the times and all of the things going on in that fictional space. The fictional space of Luke Cage represented what everyday people of color live with in there communities. The modern day version of Luke Cage is representative of all the things revelant today. I admire the creator Cheo Hodari Coker for making the character revelant in today's society. The other act of resistance that resonated with me is Assata Shakur. I had briefly read her autobiography years ago. I did not have the maturity to appreciate her story. Her strength and courage to stand for her convictions even through the test of possibly losing her life was and is something I admire. The strength and courage to stand strong even when people are trying their best to break you is something to be admired. I don't just admire Assata Shakur for her strength while under pressure from the corrupt judicial system. I admire her for taking all of the life lessons that her grandparents thought her and applying them in life and living with the respect and dignity ingrained in her spirit, mind, body, and soul. Many times people do not take the wisdom from elders seriously. We may think that times have changed and we are living in a different era or place. We thing our space is so different and that our space is something irrelevant to their space and time. I truly understand how important history and life lessons from elders is to life. Courage from people who stood up for injustice, education, segregation, and hate of a people because of the color of our skin. Assata Shakur understood how important the lessons and wisdom was to life. The lessons and wisdom even in the face of adversity still apply today as they did when Assata Shakur was protesting and being a voice for the black community, women, children, and the many injustices inflicted on black people. Assata represented a true advocate for the people. Both of these resonated with me in this unit. My space has changed tremendously due a better understanding of how resistance can inspire one to create a better space not only for self but for the benefit of others. Working in the human service file for almost 20 years I have been an advocate for people who could not advocate for themselves or maybe did not have the strength or understanding of how to advocate. I recognize now that resistance means many things and reflects something different to everyone. My space and my resistance has to be different from this point going forward. I realize that my space has to be a space created for helping others, standing proud with dignity, sounding off about injustices not only in my space but the spaces of others. This unit and the examples of resistance awakened my spirit own spirit of resistance.
"We need to be weapons of mass construction, weapons of mass love. It's not enough just to change the system. We need to change ourselves." -Assata Shakur
D'Nae Wetstone
ReplyDeleteThe act of resistance that resonated most with me in this unit is Ava Duvernay and her work as a black film writer, producer, director, and distributor. Not only is Ava Duvernay black, but also she is a woman. Today (although things are definitely changing), it is rare to see a black woman in certain spaces. As a black woman myself, Ava Duvernay is extremely inspiring because not only was she able to penetrate spaces that are dominated by white people, but also she was able to create her own spaces for black people and people of color.
Ava Duvernay is known for putting out films and shows that reflect the history and the everyday lives of black people. She is also known for using all black casts. This is what inspires me - the fact that Duvernay was determined to do exactly what she wanted to do even with so many odds stacked against her. Her resistance has definitely inspired more resistance in my current space because I also plan on entering the television and film industry. As a black woman, I definitely have to work harder than a lot of others to get where I want to be. I want to be able to have my own company and hire an all black staff so that I can provide more opportunities for my people. I want to be able to do things the way I want to do them, without fear of being told that I am unable to do so.
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/ava-duvernay-launches-affrm/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ava-duvernay-award-winning-director-film-career-selma-13th-diversity-inclusion/
I am definitely more determined to accomplish all that I want to just as Ava Duvernay has. Duvernay showed resistance when she decided to do her own thing in her own way. She showed resistance when she decided that she would not conform in order to make it to Hollywood. That is all that I aspire to do.
As we move on from unit one until now I have learned a lot that I have no idea about it especially what happening in the black community and all what they going through almost every day just because they were born black (color)that's makes me think about Assata Shakur a black panther activist Asstat Ologbala Shakur Joanne Debroah Chesimard. She is literally (my hero)in this unit. she was shown an amazing act of resistance as I was reading the acritical I said this lady is so strong. she was pulled over by the new jersey state police, shot twice and then charged with murder of a police officer. before we know what happened or ask she is consider guilty why because she is black. Assata is such a powerful woman she is inspire me. I cant imagine what I could do if I was in her place, I think I cant stay that long. her story tell us a lot of what black people going though every day. Also in this unit I have learn about great acts of resistance such as Ava Duernay's and her amazing work. my favorite one is the short film (the door)this film tell a lot and have a good massage about sisterhood /friend and black life. resistance to me is the ability not to be affected by something especially adversely.
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http://muse.jhu.edu/artical/553418
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On a radical view or perspective, identifying the spaces where we start a process of revision is a crucial choice demanded by all, where the acts of resistance critically commands changes in our society. The questions presented above instructed me to think in a greater analytical depth. Involving "space" as a site of resistance shapes and determines the responses to the cultural practices and actions we engage in globally. If this is not carefully accomplished, we will continue to stand in the space with the oppressed and oppressors. For many individuals, the movement of resistance requires pushing against oppressive barriers set by race, sex, and class domination. During this unit, I enjoyed and learned so much that I am unable to choose a top act that resonated with me the most. However, I do have three top acts which include Ava Duvernay, Assata Shakur, and Luke Cage's signature Hoodie episode.
DuVernay is the first woman of color and the fifth woman ever to be nominated for best director of a feature film in the Golden Globes. Her nomination displays at this point and time that the struggle for women and people of colors' acceptance in the film industry is not in vain. The visibility of Ava DuVernay’s work displays her accessibility to a variety of stages worldwide. This is shown through The Middle of Nowhere which cost $200,000 and won her best director award at Sundance, whereas Selma is on a totally different realm and cost $20 million. Ava DuVernay opens the minds of young women of color, all people of color, and just humans periods who have stories to tell. African Americans can look at DuVernay as a successful person who looks like them and tells the reality of the positives and negatives we encounter daily. She motivates people to dream and defines the validity of their aspirations.
Assata Shakur's 1977 conviction and later escape from prison made her an icon of black power. Her involvement in the resistance act was much deeper than marches, boycotts, protest, and sit-ins we are often shown. The inhuman acts of abuse and violence she endured by police and health professionals displayed and proved her reasoning for fighting in the race war we continue to encounter today. Shakur's advocacy for revolutionary changes reinforces how we must push through the oppressive walls that have been placed against us.
Mike Colter who stars as Luke Cage, the first black superhero in a Netflix series has become a huge success around the world. Evolving from a yellow hoodie to a dark hoodie pays a major tribute to Trayvon Martin as well as many black males in our society today. This show presents a double standard we are presented with daily. Being a black man in a hoodie or covering your head when it is cold or raining all of a sudden makes you a criminal in our world and puts your life in danger due to you being looked at as a danger to others. This show displays Luke Cage as a kind, loving, thick-skinned, and bulletproof black man in a positive manner. He permits black males everywhere to know that the clothes they wear does not define them. Mike Colter presents his success in a means where black males can accomplish all things and be the head of their households in a great way.
All three of these individuals have pressed forward and broke barriers down for people of color and the individuals our society claims to be minorities. They have exhibited the highs, lows, negatives, and positives of our culture and communities. The reality of our lives living as individuals of color is engaged through their films and works of art. I applaud and salute them all.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnnL2IyoVm4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGiTVSI4zR4
Resistance in itself is strength. Within this unit, the most resounding form of resistance to me was within the Freedom Rides during the Civil Rights Movement. Young college students took to the roadways in protest of unequal treatment, often times risking the status of their education. Taking the idea of the courage that it must've took to stand alongside classmates in protest alone, has changed my space and prospective. As the new age of world - changers, we have been educated to believe that times have truly changed, when in fact they have not. Black men and women are still being persecuted for the color of their skin through forms of hidden racism. As times progress, the idea of "blackness" diminished as we are led to believe that true equality is being achieved. I realize that over the course of this unit, my views have not only changed in reference to how I view classism, but also how I view my surroundings. I find myself constantly questioning whether something is meant for my good, or if their is a hidden motive to influence negativity towards me. This unit specifically has changed my view on exactly how "woke" I truly am.
ReplyDeleteThe concept of a space that resisted the general standards and rules that American society has placed on the media has been growing due to the wider audience that television and film is reaching now. Now that technology has grown to become even more accessible and easier to use than ever before, it allows those that run the media to hear the voices of every kind of audience instead of those that the media was previously primarily paying attention to. Examples of resistance to traditional media standards would include shows such as, all female shows such as Orange is the New Black, films and shows from female black directors such as Ava Duvernay and Shonda Rhimes, etc. These examples have each used their medium to portray and reflect on issues in American society that deeply resonates with many people. Both Ava Duvernay and Shonda Rhimes use their creations to show the reality that many minorities face in a way that has never been seen before and had success that hollywood would never had thought would happen. The show that had the biggest affect on me would be Luke Cage because I am a deep fan for superheroes and I would never thought that a show like this would come to life. I would never believe that the media would allow for it to show with the high caliber actors and budget it has, albeit an mainly African American show at that. It shows that me that society is changing and becoming more progressive towards portraying minorities in a more positive and realistic light.
ReplyDeleteSpace does not equal resistance nor does it contemplate for resistance. In unit 3 we saw several African American woman rise up and beat the odds of resistance. These woman empowered a community and fought for their own rights to be heard. Ava DuVernay was a brilliant filmmaker who wrote the Door. In this series she has African American female characters who are depicted as being strong and being their for one another. These women are not only best friends but are here to help Gabrielle Union get over her heartbreak. When it comes to my current space. I've always tried to be in the shadows because of what has already happened. But now that I know the full story and struggle of the oppressed people and my heritage it makes me want to become so much more involved in the community.
ReplyDeleteIn this unit one of the most influential figures we were introduced to was the character Luke Cage. And I say this because the creation of the show itself, which features a black superhero, whose outfit includes a hood for discretion, and whose abilities derive from strength and the fact that he is bulletproof is simply poetic. As that is the perfect representation of a superhero that the African American community needs. Not only that but diving a little deeper into the depth of the characters, its even more fitting that the main antagonist/ Luke Cages rival is a corrupt politician. As a pre-law student I am very aware of the need for us to not only question the the law, but also how and why we systematically do things in this country the way we do as they typically disadvantage African Americans and other minorities. Also I believe it is important for everyone to understand the importance of their voice and opinions. Some see resistance as a negative thing that ignores structure and order however as African Americans we know resistance is one of the most important factors to counteracting oppression, and injustice.
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