Final Intervention

Marventz Adrien

Doris Cacoilo

05/06/2024

   Emotions are the color of our world. They're the quiet and loud feelings that tell personal experiences, each carrying a story that begs to be understood. How we respond to them can be the bridge that connects us, encouraging empathy and compassion in a world that often feels broken.

   Sometimes, we tend to invalidate people's emotions because we might not relate to them or the things that they are going through. However, invalidating their feelings should not be the case. Invalidating someone's feelings can have a significant impact on them. When we invalidate someone's feelings, we dismiss or minimize their emotions, making them feel unheard or unimportant. Emotions play a massive role in our world. For instance, when we are happy, we often view the world positively and notice the good things around us. However, If we are sad or angry, our perspective can be clouded, and we may focus more on the negative aspects.

   I chose to talk about this topic because I witness it daily.  The inspiration to talk about this  this topic did not come from a famous artist but from my own experience and my classmate's project on how people should show their emotions. People often talk about how others should feel comfortable to express their feelings. However, How people's emotions are sometimes minimized does not get much attention. It is pointless to show emotions if it is used as a weapon against you or taken as a joke. With that said, I created this project, the purpose of which is to raise awareness and encourage people to value others' emotions. Furthermore, to create a safe place for everyone to feel comfortable expressing their feelings. 

   I published this piece on social media for an audience because it is our most efficient way of getting people to interact/react nowadays. (the new journal/magazine). I received many responses and was happy with the number of male reactions, even though the project was not directed only towards men. It shows that everyone might be experiencing something in their life, and they would want to be taken seriously.  

  In conclusion,  it is important to practice empathy and active listening. Sometimes, it is necessary to try to understand others' perspectives. I believe this is a dream we should continue to work towards until it becomes a reality.

YouTube video presentation 👇

https://youtu.be/xEEIewZ_7CA?si=TZU3eEjRQZZwxVNL

3 Poems

Uncomfterble Words
If there is Words
that doesn't make you
Uncomfterble 

Bring Expression
Show a Expression to let your feelings
 out or in depending 
what space are you in or go on your own space.

Opportunity
What Opportunity can Await
Depending on what news it is
or what is being offered to you
Get rid of It or just burn it 

Chapters 3-7 Fatima Khan

Chapter 3

“An ideal of power not used to privilege oneself, as it often is, but as a gift for helping others, caring for and sharing with those on the bottom of society.” 

This emphasizes being able to utilize your privilege for good. I think about this often when I'm walking and I pass by someone who is homeless or is looking for money. Even if you don't know what they'd be using the money for or if you don't have much on you, it's important to give back because you never know how much you'd be contributing to someone's day.

"We never start at zero, and it's a mistake to think we create something from nothing. We are always drawing from repositories of words, images, and meanings that already exist" 

This quote reminds me about the music we hear nowadays. So many songs are inspired by music from the past and people are always taking samples from old songs and recreating it into something new. To some it seems lazy, but I think it's pretty cool.

Chapter 4

"Culture is necessary for our very survival. Without it, we wouldn't know who or what we are, nor how to function beyond rudimentary biological life"

Culture is crucial to our being. It coincides with our history and without our history, we wouldn't be where we are today.

“But art is also used to challenge authority and privilege, often precisely by challenging how those in power see the world.”

Resistance is a vital form of art. By resisting authority, you're drawing attention to the cause which gives you the platform to say what you need to say or do what you need to do.

Chapter 5 

"The problem with a lot of activism and a lot of art is that it isn't surprising at all. When we stage a protest in a public space with placards on poles and loudly chanting syncopated slogans, no one is surprised."

With everything that's been happening since October 7th (and way before that) people have become a little desensitized to the idea of making a difference. I've seen people boycotting certain brands to going back to spending their money at those brands because "nothing's gonna change" but I think that defeats the whole purpose of boycotting. Some people start to lose their momentum when protesting for a cause and it's because people have become used to it, when this shouldn't be the case.

 “If people don’t know how to process facts and make meaning out of them, then the facts will stay right where they are: on the literature table or in a museum.”

This can be applied to various situations. If no one chooses to make meaning out of something, it'll go unseen and become forgotten.

Chapter 6

“Try and understand why people think what they think and do what they do, and then use this to build a better world together.”

One of the most important things you can do for another is be able to understand them and why they do the things that they do. It's the first step to being a kinder individual.

"Promotion is bread and butter for artistic activism, but it's important to think about how to do it in such a way that it inspires action."

It's one thing to look at artistic activism but it's another to be inspired enough to take action for the cause. When promoting your works of activism, it's important to cater to your audience in a way that'll get them to want to support as well.

Chapter 7

 “With planning, we can “work smarter, not harder.” 

This quote was one that stuck out to me the most. As someone who struggles with planning and organizational skills, taking the time to write everything out and focus on the task at hand has helped me tremendously. 

"We are artistic activists,  not solipsistic bohemian artists isolated in our garrets. We are more productive and creative when we work with others." 

We've all seen the type of bohemian artists she's talking about in this chapter. Art can be depicted in many ways but there's always an underlying meaning behind it. Making art for the sole purpose of being called an artist takes away the authenticity. It's also very important to be a part of a community that understands your vision.

Final interventuon project (extension from first video)

 

 

[Mini Essay I suppose]

This is a comic strip that acts as an extension of the silent animation "Expect Me", detailing a girl with sticky notes on her body that make her completely blue. As the film continues, another girl picks up one of the sticky notes on her cheek, and gives her one of her own sticky notes. Changing her color with a splash of yellow. More people appear, and the wall behind the blue girl becomes more and more covered in the sticky notes. The animatic is about 'Change'. Breaking expectations that older generations put on others and changing for yourself. However, I was unable to go far into depth with the piece because of it being a silent animation. So this comic strip is meant to broaden the message with an extension of it.

Butterfly, the character's name as represented with an icon of a butterfly, is looking very worriedly into a mirror as she touches a yellow sticky note with a pink sticky note laying over top of it. Jellyfish, the other girl, appears to offer her some comfort, asking what is wrong. Butterfly admits her fear of how fast she's changing and how she's learning so much that it was getting overwhelming, she wishes she could be more like Jellyfish because of how accepting of herself she seems.

Jelly fish stops her and gives her words of advice, telling her about how it is natural to be afraid of change and that it took her a really long time to accept herself. It is okay to take a while, and your journey is at your own pace. Nobody is rushing you, and you'll always keep changing. It's a beautiful thing. One day Butterfly won't need her to tell her that. Butterfly appreciates Jellyfish's words and thanks her. This comic is meant to talk about the fears and worries that come with changing and how it can be scary, and that you feel like any change that isn't good is a bad thing and means you're not improving, when that is simply not true. Bad changes can happen, sure, but that can also change.

The message is:

Change is scary, and that's okay, you'll be okay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Project Intervention

 

I used my project as intervention utilizing flyers as a medium to communicate and engage with the public. I chose this way of outreach because of its directness and obvious accessibility. Flyers are  perfect in my use-case, because they can be distributed widely and can reach a diverse audience. They truly capture my deliberate act of being tangible, making the message more personal and impactful.

The core message of my project is the power of showing random acts of kindness and the importance of voting. I used color theory to express emotions in my flyer & poster. The first flyer, colored purple, signifies courage, while the second, in bright red-orange, signifies high priority and caution. I wanted to show that it doesn’t take much to show an act of kindness - even something as simple as a smile can make someone’s day better. 

I distributed these flyers in various public spaces and online platforms to reach a wider audience. The audience engaged with the project by taking the flyers, reading them, and hopefully, acting on the messages. The feedback I received was generally positive, with many appreciating the design and the messages.

This project aligns with my professional aspirations as a coder/designer who wants to use art to inspire change and express creativity. It adds a unique piece to my portfolio that showcases my ability to combine design principles with social messages.

Several artists and projects have influenced this project. Yoko Ono, with her interactive art that invites participation, inspired me to create a project that encourages interaction. Shaun Leonardo, whose work often addresses societal issues, influenced my decision to incorporate a social message in my project. Other artists that connect with my project include Shepard Fairey, known for his bold graphic design and use of color, and Jenny Holzer, whose text-based public art has demonstrated the power of words in public spaces.

In conclusion, this project allowed me to explore the intersection of design, public engagement, and social messages.This experience has enriched my skills and was very rewarding to do. I've never made posters or flyers before, so I consider that as stepping out my comfort zone, and trying something different.

Research and Resources

The research that informed this project includes studies on color theory, public art projects, and social campaigns. Resources that inspired my project include:

1. “Interaction of Color” by Josef Albers
2. “Public Art: Theory, Practice and Populism” by Cher Krause Knight
3. “Obey Giant: The Art and Dissent of Shepard Fairey” by Shepard Fairey
4. “Protect, Protect: Jenny Holzer” by Jenny Holzer
5. “Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings” by Yoko Ono

“By being able to exist in your own body and understand that you do not need to be defined by an experience, it allows you to move forward with a little more sense of joy.”-Shaun Leonardo

-This is a quote that I was reminded of while trying to stray away from my comfort zone.

"We are forever 4:21 apologetic for being real. 4:22 Excuse me for farting. 4:24 Excuse me for making love and smelling 4:26 like a human being instead of that odorless celluloid prince 4:29 and princess image up there on the screen."

- I was inspired by this quote while contemplating on how to connect and empathize with my viewers. It gave me a slight push to get a bit personal.

; we must re-examine cultural objects and social practices to understand the patterns of everyday life that shape the past and inevitably imprint the future.

- true

VIDEO PRESENTATION:

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rISstj0R56i_MToUgX7whofdIcNtsH4o/view?usp=drivesdk

Final Project***

 

Final Project

ATTITUDES

My project for this intervention focuses on the topic of toxic masculinity. This term usually refers to the harmful behaviors and toxic attitudes that are associated with traditional customs of masculinity. This causes aggression and even emotional suppression Men have too much of an ego that anything can harm it which is very toxic as we have to break out of the cycle.

 My message to the audience would have to be how the ideas that society has constructed are not real and just toxic. The roots of toxic masculinity goes back into historical times with cultural norms and gender roles. The traditional concept of masculinity has damaged the mindset of men. Men have certain standards that they have to live up to such as the saying “Be a Man”, or “Boys don’t cry ''. These ideas have been reinforced into our heads so many times that it is considered to be normal. It has been reinforced on social media, education, religion and even. family structure. This is shaped into the heads of men from a very young age.

For my project I was able to post it on social media and I spread my project with my friends to see if they would also agree with what I had to say. Some of their reactions were expected. For example my friend comes from a very traditional hispanic household where women are trained to be on their hand and foot for us men. So I was not surprised when my friend disagreed with my project. But at the same time it is no excuse as one should inform themselves or go as at least try to break the norms.

Toxic masculinity affects people and society a lot. It can make men have more mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Men may also use more drugs because of it. Men feel they must act tough and not show their feelings. This makes it hard for them to have real, close friendships. They might not share their feelings or connect well with others. Toxic masculinity also causes more violence and fighting.

 Some artists that I got inspired from were such as Grayson Perry, The Guerrilla Girls, Jackson Katz, and Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Grayson Perry was a contemporary artist who was known for his exploration of gender identity, masculinity, and social norms. The Guerrilla Girls who were anonymous feminist artists who were known for their provocative posters also addressed the issues of gender inequality.

From the texts I was able to connect my project into our readings. “Artists develop their creative processes throughout their entire career. Artistic activists are no different. This is a lifelong journey we are on.” (Chapter 2, pg 83) Artistic activists grow and enhance their strategies for participating in activism over time, just like artists do with their methods and approaches to their job. “We’ll start with Culture, or what we usually call “art.” Art is powerful. It’s a way we can express our understandings of the world as it is, and articulate our visions for how it could be.” (Chapter 4, pg. 137) The statement suggests how culture is deeply involved within art as it practices the beliefs, customs, and values shared by a society. “Our sense of possibility is limited by what we can imagine, and our imaginations are bound by the culture within which we imagine. This is why it is so hard to imagine anything entirely new.” (Chapter 4, pg.146) The remark suggests that it is difficult to imagine really innovative thoughts or possibilities when one is bound by cultural limits. It necessitates going beyond the comfortable and challenging accepted beliefs and conventions

The Art of Activism - Steve Duncombe + Steve Lambert

Understanding Patriarchy - Bell Hooks

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-masculinity-5075107

 https://psychcentral.com/health/toxic-masculinity

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/toxic-masculinit

Adversity Project

Adversity (2)).pptx

https://1drv.ms/p/s!AgrfVQIRNBDMigK9TDDFx1Gai8UC?e=nER4Ma&nav=eyJzSWQiOjI1NiwiY0lkIjo4ODQ0NDAzMDN9

Final Intervention

ADHD IS POWER, SPECIAL, AND IMPORTANT

Presentation Video:https://youtu.be/DoXpExRzuiQ?feature=shared

 Normal people have a great ability to do things, while on the other hand, ADHD people can have talented experience and show some exciting skills.  ADHD can be an interesting mental health condition but some people do think it is a normal condition. But this condition is also very interesting for people working and doing education right now. There are a lot of students who are going to colleges and universities that have ADHD and succeed and sometimes fail. But also shows how someone with special abilities can have something very interesting. There are ways to show how can people with ADHD do in life and education But also into the art. I decided to show how my graphic art experience showed in the arts. With ADHD there are ways people can control it in their own lives and education as well and also in the arts whoever is studying art majors. This also includes how can this be successful for people who have ADHD. But the important thing for ADHD people who know and do art is mainly art can be an activity to do and love but there is a time when art needs to be taken seriously and get more challenging. But not just regular people have ADHD, some celebrities and artists have ADHD as well. 

 

In Life,

People with ADHD sometimes have a difficult time paying attention which is very important for adults who have ADHD and the reason why is because amazing brains explain how ADHD affects people when they are adults adults can suffer from Anger, Impulsive Behavior, Unstable Relationships, and Mood swings. Also, they include ADHD if they are suffering from that. They need to be put into Brain Training because sometimes people with ADHD can be more aggressive when they still get older. There is the solution for adults which is mostly to do exercise and try to go into therapy because therapy and psychology are important things that adults need because once adults start to develop it can show how can adults experience more aggression.  Sometimes another ability is for work too and the reason why is because jobs do give accommodation for adults and sometimes it is important to act normal and try to sometimes ADHD people try their best to act normal as they can and do their best to communicate with people and most importantly show how can be possible to do their own things.  

 

For Education,

Students who have ADHD go to colleges to start their own careers. According to NH, 5.6% of ADHD students go to college in the US.  But also shows that during the first semesters of College, it shows that ADHD students have more challenges. But this shows that there are techniques for students to not struggle which shows that colleges have offices of accessibility with shows that students can accommodation to do their own assignments and exams.  But this is important for students to see what upcoming things can happen in college and also it is challenging to find a major that fits you mostly with ADHD people because sometimes something bad can happen and something good can come.  Because NH shows that there is 10 percent of ADHD students can suffer from emotional health.  According to CHADD, some techniques show how students can be more active with their education and that students can try to make a planner to be more active in their work and assignments, and studying for exams it is important to study in a different place where is mainly quiet in other parts too because this can show how can ADHD people be more active into their own studies. ADHD people can also succeed in college by finding their own ways and finding something that really fits into their own education and getting more active in doing assignments and tests too but overall less distraction from anything because this can affect their studies in college too.

 

For Art,

Art is a very interesting major that students take to show their own expression about their own work. Which for ADHD students, Art is one important material that ADHD students can do and mostly show off their work in front of people. According to Medium, it tells us about ADHD shows their own creative process in with  art and shows what design they want to show about their favorite thing and their own expression in their own artwork.  Also, this shows that adults who are with ADHD can also be creative with planning and organizing events or anything. This shows how can Art be for ADHD adults and kids too.  Medium mentioned that a few artists and writers that have ADHD had difficult times with challenges and also suffer from frustration about their own work. But artists and writers have found ways to resolve it but with time and research too to help their ways in their own work and take their own frustration. 

The message that I'm trying to give the audience is to see what ADHD for people and what is like having it there are ways to resolve this because a lot of people have ADHD including celebrities and artists to have ADHD. But they found ways to resolve their own ADHD life. But also include art because I am a graphic design major and I want to see how artists who have ADHD can see this message that I'm sending. Seeing how art is an interesting activity for ADHD people.  Because sometimes ADHD people can find ways to struggle with ways and also sometimes find difficult times in their education and in themselves. Since there are ways how things can be resolved and also how some interesting activities can really change. Because sometimes with ADHD is tough for them to learn new things.

Quotes, 

"Sketching requires experimentation and exploration, but sometimes, in our hurry to move on and "Do It!" we rush through the sketch process by grasping at the first sign of success." ("The Art of Activism 69")
"Most of us have more than one mind when it comes to our beliefs. We make liberal and conservative associations and tell ourselves progressive and reactionary stories".  ("The Art of Activism 191")
"We are artistic activists, not solipsistic bohemian artists isolated in our garrets. We are more productive and creative when we work with others". ("The Art of Activism 258")
"Our Creative strategy can, and probably should, work concurrently with other strategies leading to the same goal". ("The Art of Activism 258")

These quotes really support and inspire my intervention, but also show interest in how ADHD can work and get more supportive. But also for art because some students who have ADHD can be studying to become an artist and this is important to look at this because sometimes doing artwork can be tough but also this shows that trying your best can be successful. Looking at these quotes really shows how can there be ways to resolve anything and any struggles with education, life, and art. 

I even showed this to some of my friends and one of my friends has a really interesting artwork and also gave an interesting opinion about my artwork. 

also, I showed it to some of my friends who have ADHD and they gave really good feedback this really motivated them to never give up and shows that whatever they want to do they can do it and one of my friends really wanted to keep this artwork (The first one with Colors) and put it in her room because she said that these are really interesting messages that I put in there and this can keep her motivated in her school and also in work too because sometimes she struggles in work and keeping this message will make her not let herself down and keep going. 

One artist that really inspired me was Yoko Ono because of the way how she made the peace protest which was one really interesting artwork that she and John Lennon made and brought much attention from people. Ben Jones for showing very interesting artwork and showing his expression into his own artwork which was very interesting and showing some historical artwork too which shows the abstraction with color too. Faith Ringgold on the way that she also uses messages in a few of her artworks that also show some words and her expression with words in it too. Which one of her artwork she used words for her artwork and made them into colors that really interested her design.  A few More artists that really inspired me to do this are Matthew Mcveigh who made an interesting artwork about ADHD and used a figure like Albert Einstein in his painting but also showed a message of what is happening. Sherelle Speed inspired her talent by herself being self-taught and using her ADHD to make her designs which is inspiring for an artist to do this.   

So for my intervention, I made two interesting graphic design works that I did from what I learned this semester. My first semester at NJCU was interesting and learned new things about what can I do in my portfolio. Learning from Typography showed me what I could make and I wanted to make an interesting artwork that was related to what I learned this semester. But also I wanted to make these words a little bit not organized and the reason why is because this is a message that I'm showing about ADHD where sometimes ADHD people can show mixed up feelings. 

In conclusion, this really shows what can ADHD and there are ways that this can be recovered also seeing the interest of what really helps. The project made me see how mental health works and what does it and see that there are ways that mental health can bring things to people who suffer from it. But also showing a positive message that can really inspire. But this message isn't only going to be for ADHD people this message can also be for other people who are suffering from other mental health. Because mental health is affecting people too. But also there will be positivity for mental health and ADHD with guidance and encouragement. 

Source:

https://chadd.org/for-parents/succeeding-in-college-with-adhd/

The Act of Activism- Steve Lambert + Steve Lambert 

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-I-M-ADHD-AND-BI-POLAR-WHAT-S-YOUR-SUPERPOWER/342744/9380615/view

https://www.ksdk.com/video/life/people/my-lou/st-louis-artists-uses-adhd-to-guide-her-artwork/63-25fddabb-4a4c-47fa-87ad-4c30b67430ac

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/living-with/#:~:text=Adults%20with%20ADHD&text=let%20off%20steam%20by%20exercising,to%20help%20you%20work%20better

https://medium.com/curious/how-to-succeed-as-an-artist-with-adhd-9502307ddf3f

https://www.additudemag.com/what-it-feels-like-to-have-adhd-art/

Final Project- Giselle Verdin

 

For my Final interaction I decided to focus my project on misogyny. I chose this project because I got inspired by the news lately and how it is really dangerous for women especially when they go out into the city. Women are being harassed and hurt because of the system one has set up. I was able to ask some of my friends and I even posted a question on my instagram to receive some answers from other people. From the responses I had gathered on my instagram I put those phrases onto my poster. 

In the middle of my poster I have a person ignoring the comments that they are receiving. I also added the title of “Female Rage” because I feel like a lot of people can relate to this poster and the rage or frustration when a woman gets cat called. From my own experience of being cat called I feel like it gets annoying and you do develop rage. I say this because I could simply be wearing some baggy clothing and somehow I would still end up being objectified. It’s female rage that men keep getting away with this because somehow society still allows it to happen. 

Women do not feel comfortable when catcalled. They are often treated as objects by strangers who do not have permission. This makes them feel uneasy and open to harm.Catcalling can cause women to be anxious. If they feel threatened, they may become scared. Catcalling also fuels the anger of women as It takes away their respect and control.Catcalling often makes women feel watched over their looks. It can make them less confident and question if they belong in some places. It is very tiring for women to face catcalling all the time. They must always be alert as one honestly never knows the dangers one could be put in by this. 

Female Rage in response to catcalling rises from many emotions which includes anger,frustration, fear, and even powerlessness. The act of catcalling involves making unnecessary comments which are often sexually suggested. Women feel objectified, disrespected, and unsafe. This project fits into my professional aspirations and my portfolio as it covers the topic of activism in art. My previous projects helped inspire this final project as it allowed me to address catcalling in a creative form to raise awareness and inspire action on the issue.

In the text The Art of Activism it states, “We are beholden to a powerful story, and imagine ourselves to be part of it: it is the story of The Power of The Truth.” ( Chapter 1, pg. 20) The profound impact our beliefs and truth and its power has on shaping societies. Which ties into how we manage both the negative and positive experiences. “We learn from past successes and past failures, from people of the past whose struggles we identify with, and from those whose actions we oppose. (Chapter 3, pg 86) We may learn from the successes of the past by analyzing what went well and why. It assists us in recognizing tactics, methods, or approaches that produced favorable results so that we might apply them to related circumstances in the future. The fundamental role of culture is shaping and understanding the world. “It’s the system of meanings that allows us to understand our world and to communicate this understanding to others. Culture is necessary for our very survival.” (Chapter 4, pg 132).

Some other artists that helped me get inspiration for my project were artists such as Fatyana Fazlaliz, Yoko Ono, Guerrilla Girls, and Frida Kahlo. Fatyana Fazlaliz artwork caught my attention and it was very relatable as her art focused on murals of woman with a quote on it expressing how they feel. 

List

1. https://www.theline.org.au/the-secret-meanings-of-common-cat-calls/

2. https://plan-international.org/campaigns/how-to-handle-catcallers/#:~:text=Catcalling%2C%20also%20known%20as%20street,intense%20harms%20of%20the%20behaviour

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=dp2kC_CVib_2v6zs&v=BjN4kjo2yWg&feature=youtu.be

4. https://shssharkattack.com/21577/ae/cat-calls-by-the-side-eyes-bringing-awareness-to-street-harassment/

5. https://medium.com/the-pink/catcalling-is-not-a-compliment-no-matter-how-you-try-to-justify-it-a854a4ec9d00

6. The Art of Activism - Steve Duncombe + Steve Lambert

7. Understanding Patriarchy - Bell Hooks

Final Intervention

 

Brittney Hatcher

Acts Of Resistance Spring 2024

Professor Doris Cacoilo

4/23/24

 https://youtu.be/3EW3CWTih1A

   My pitch

                                      Mental Health Should be Talked About More

                 My last interventions relate to the last two that I did. Mental health is something that is not talked about enough! If I’m being honest, I didn’t start hearing it’s time to take care of your mental or don’t burn out until I got into college. From my senior year in high school down to the first start of me going to school, I never heard put your mental health first. I always heard go to school, don’t follow the wrong crowd, get a good job, and do better than what is seen in my neighborhood. So, what I chose to do was make a vlog where I talk about mental health and have others express how they feel about it.

                Mental health doesn’t always start within the brain. What I mean is your brain is not the reason why you're sad or going through mental illness. However, if you don’t take care of your well-being it can lead your brain functioning in ways that make you feel like you have an illness. The experiences we go through, and our physical health are what change the way our brain functions. From its structure and neurconnections. (U.S. News)

                We live in a society where mental health is a stigma. Which should not be okay, we should be able to be loud about our mental health, especially when we know we need help, and we seek to get help. As I said in my video, mental health doesn’t mean you have to be medically diagnosed with a mental illness.  You might feel like you don’t want to get up or you feel trapped. However, people don’t understand that. According to Lois Zoppi,” People living with depression are often stereotyped as lazy, while some judge those with anxiety as cowardly.” When a loved one room looks a mess, and they are barely motivated these are signs that they are going through something. Don’t yell at them or make them feel bad try to understand what they are going through.

                Mental health stigmas make things worse. Parents fail to realize just because their child is young doesn’t mean they can’t go through something. Their favorite line is you've never seen depressed yet, you're too young. Especially, in African American households we have a type of culture when it comes to mental health. Now because of that culture, it has a negative impact on the way we understand and communicate about our mental health. “This is why it’s so important to be self-aware of our own cultures that influence our creations.” (Chapter 4, pg. 136) We create this culture where we ignore mental health so much that we create a stigma towards it as if it’s not real. There needs to be a change.

                So, my message to my audience is to start talking to your loved ones or students at younger ages about mental health. Y’all continue to push this hustle culture on kids and even on yourself as adults to the point y’all break. Let your kids know it’s okay to feel down but express it, talk it out. Also, it’s okay to take time out for yourself and get back to work the next day.  Even adults do the same. Everyone doesn’t believe in talking to somebody or a therapist but that doesn’t mean make a person feel bad if they do. “We don’t need to agree with what they think or do, only to understand.” (Chapter 6, pg. 241) Start being more supportive and understanding when a person tells you I’m not mentally well right now.

                I got my audience to engage in my project by asking them questions and how they felt about mental health. It led some to go deep and others kept it brief. However, from what I heard we need to start being more supportive. This project fits into my professional aspirations because I want to be a child therapist. The majority of our trauma starts at a young age and because we don’t release it and get the help, we need this is why as adults we are still affected by our childhood trauma. I just want to be able to change families' perspectives when it comes to mental health, so we don’t have to feel alone and even get suicide rates to get low. “Artistic activism is not only aimed at people’s hearts; it also aims at their minds.” (pg. 171)

                An artist who inspired me to stay on this path was Saburo Murakami's performance art piece, Passing Through. The way I interpreted him breaking through the walls of paper is not letting obstacles stop me from moving forward. When it comes to our mental sometimes, we can be stuck in the same place for years. The best thing to do is fight through it, get help, and keep pushing forward.

                Another artist's work that relates to my project is Vincent van Gogh, Sorrowing Old Man. In his painting, you can feel the emotions of a tired man who went through so much. After so many years he was finally worn out at an old age. Usually, when we are old, we are supposed to retire and just relax. This relates to the hustle culture I was talking about. We are always on the go until we burn out. We shouldn’t burn out we should learn how to take some time off and take care of our physical and mental health.

 

Heidi Godman and Elaine K. Howley, A Patient’s Guide to Mental Health, U.S. News Health, April 12, 2023

Mental Health: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | U.S. News (usnews.com)

Lois Zoppi, What is mental health stigma? November 11, 2020

Mental health stigma: Definition, examples, effects, and tips (medicalnewstoday.com)

Final Intervention - Gianni Rivera

 

Shrinkflation

    All my interventions throughout this semester has been about how hard it has been to live here in the United States. For my final project (Intervention) I will talk and discuss about shrinkflation, first what is shrinkflation you may ask well shrinkflation is the practice of companies reducing the amount of food we get in products and they may increase the price here and there. For an example they will reduce the amount of chips we get in bags or the amount of ice cream we get in tubs. My sole reason for choosing to talk about this is because for a long time companies have been taking advantage of us and treating us like dirt and people don't do anything about it. If people finally start protesting about it there could be a difference made but no one ever does anything about it anymore. So what I did is I came up with 5 different questions to ask people. 1.) on a scale from 1-10, how much has food prices affected your life. 2.) What is some specific foods you have seen a jump in price, if any. 3.) have you noticed the change in amount of stuff you get in your food. 4.) Three could be “Do you believe that food prices are fair, if not why? 5.) do you believe shrinkflation is a real thing? The reason for these questions is I want them to see and think about shrinkflation themselves. So I got three people to ask them questions and there responds were really similar. Not only do they increase the price and lower the amount of stuff we get but they make junk food the only affordable thing and actual natural products are really expensive to the point where it isn't worth buying them anymore.

    So I interviewed 3 people and asked them the 5 main questions and I got similar responds most of the them were how cheap junk food is way more cheaper than  organic healthy food. Even though they keep removing the amount they give and keep making it more expensive it is STILL cheaper than the healthy food which is a crazy thing to me. "The answer to that question is complicated. A recent study found that following the MyPlate Dietary Guidelines would cost a family of four between $1,000-$1,200 a month ($12,000.00-$14,400 annually) depending on the age of the family members and the percentage of fruits and vegetables that were fresh, frozen, and canned (Mulik & Haynes-Maslow, 2017). For a comparison, the average middle income family in the United States spends roughly $6,224 on food each year with the average low income family spending even less at roughly $3,862 per year (USDA, 2017). With this information in mind, following these recommendations may not be feasible for the typical family." (Durward). So if you ever want to eat healthy and follow a guide, usually people follow the MyPlate Dietary Guidelines to track what they eat and only eat what their body needs it will cost they between $1,000 - $1,200 a MONTH. Awhile the average middle income American family only spends $3,862 a year because that is all they can afford really. They will have to dish out a lot of money just to eat HEALTHY. Even eating junk food isn't safe as well because they has been multiple studies showing how companies reduce how much they give and increase their price. 

This here is just one example of shrinkflation. Around 2021 to 2022 a bag of Doritos decreased the amount of chips they give by 5% and increase the price by 9%. Yes, this may seem like its not a lot but it adds up on how much you lose out when you buy in bulk for your family or a party. The worst part is that its not just Doritos but its every food and ITEM you can think of. "Today, household paper products, like toilet paper and paper towels, are 34.9 percent more expensive per unit than they were in January 2019. Of that total cost increase, 10.3 percent is due to producers shrinking the size of rolls and packages." (Senator Bob Casely). Even common household products aren't safe from shrinkflation which shows us that its not only the food they are reducing but everything else as well. 

    In finale shrinkflation is effecting more than we think it is. It is making it harder for us to live a normal life. The only cheap foods we are able to afford is junk food and if we continue through the same path we are taking no one eating just junk food will be able to survive till their 30. At this point we aren't living here, we are surviving here. We neither 1 spend all the money we have on fresh organic food and have no money we can save for the future or buy complete garbage food just to not starve to death and have SOME money we can fall back but knowing how America is heading that money will most likely just disappear. 

Interviews

https://youtu.be/Br3TGZqqPXk?si=Qp6bcgPZdLgzAhby

https://youtu.be/f9ZGP2SA9iw?si=MzI6BXfdbF4SXDtF

https://youtu.be/BzK_-Yp0CGE?si=MeA_LMVsAOQsVizu

Sources

https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/44678/19980_eib96.pdf

https://www.casey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/shrinkflation_report.pdf

https://extension.usu.edu/nutrition/research/does-healthy-eating-cost-more

Final Intervention

Presentation

Title: Upholding Integrity and Commitment: Building a Foundation for Personal Growth and Well-being

Integrity and commitment are the cornerstones of personal development, guiding individuals on a path towards fulfillment and success. Through psychological studies, philosophical discussions, real-life examples, and personal reflections, it becomes evident that values and integrity are paramount in shaping one's character and fostering a meaningful life. This essay explores the significance of integrity and commitment in various contexts, emphasizing their role in personal growth, ethical decision-making, and building trusting relationships. Psychological research consistently underscores the importance of values and integrity in promoting personal growth and well-being. Individuals who uphold their values experience greater satisfaction, self-esteem, and fulfillment in life. Living authentically and in alignment with one's values fosters a sense of purpose and resilience in the face of challenges. Conversely, compromising on values can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and inner conflict, hindering personal growth and contributing to psychological distress.

Philosophers throughout history have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between values, integrity, and a virtuous life. Aristotle, Kant, and Mill all extolled the virtues of living in accordance with moral principles, advocating for ethical behavior as essential for human flourishing. From their perspectives, integrity is not merely a desirable trait but a fundamental aspect of leading a meaningful and fulfilling existence. Real-life examples further illustrate the consequences of compromising on values. Business leaders who sacrifice integrity for short-term gain often face severe repercussions, including damage to reputation and loss of trust. Similarly, individuals who compromise on personal values in relationships risk undermining their connections and overall well-being. These examples serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the importance of maintaining integrity in all aspects of life.

Personal development workshops and online courses provide valuable tools for individuals seeking to cultivate integrity and commitment. Through self-reflection, goal-setting, and skill-building activities, participants gain insights into their values and develop strategies for personal growth. By prioritizing integrity and committing to their goals, individuals can overcome obstacles and pursue their aspirations with clarity and purpose. In a discussion on integrity, it becomes evident that integrity is not just about doing what's right when it's convenient; it's about doing what's right because it's the right thing to do. Integrity serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals to make decisions that align with their values and beliefs. By prioritizing integrity, individuals build trust, credibility, and self-respect, contributing to a more ethical and just society.

Personal action plans provide a roadmap for translating these principles into practice. By committing to daily study sessions, physical activity, or outdoor adventures with loved ones, individuals reinforce their dedication to personal growth and well-being. Through these actions, they demonstrate their integrity and commitment to living authentically and purposefully. Furthermore, the journey towards upholding integrity and commitment is not without its challenges. Temptations, distractions, and external pressures may test our resolve, requiring steadfast determination and resilience. However, it is during these moments of adversity that our commitment to integrity shines brightest. By staying true to our values, even in the face of obstacles, we strengthen our character and fortify our moral compass. Each decision made with integrity reaffirms our commitment to living authentically and ethically, inspiring others to follow suit. In this way, the pursuit of integrity and commitment becomes not just a personal endeavor but a collective endeavor towards a more principled and compassionate society.

In conclusion, upholding integrity and commitment is essential for personal growth, ethical decision-making, and building trusting relationships. By prioritizing these values in our lives, we not only honor our principles but also contribute to a more trustworthy and principled world. As we strive to embody integrity and commitment in our actions, we pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future, both for ourselves and for those around us.

The Final Intervention (For Now) - P.C.

 Attempts For Kindness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtOsOOoP5EM

    For my final intervention, I decided to follow the beliefs shown in Stacy Russo's book "Love Activism". In Russo's book, Love Activism is something that is made up of many different core elements that simply help oneself to become more at peace and learn to love themselves and appreciate others. Through sharing and giving kindness, others may begin to feel kinder themselves and spread it further. Being very outwardly kind is something I do not normally do, and all of my interventions up until this point have very much been targeted towards the negative sides of humanity. So I decided to flip the script of my persona and go out and be kind for once. DJ E.B.A. will attempt to spread kindness wherever he went. 

    

    Stacy Russo had many different aspects to Love Activism that I had taken interest in, that I explored for the time I had decided to fully envelop myself in this craft. The aspect that I had decided to show off in this post is my attempt at the aspects of Hope. I went out into my community and smiled at strangers, interacted and offered balloons and candy (which sadly no one took). Previous to my recording, a man jokingly asked if he could have one of the balloons I was carrying around and I gladly handed it over. He was surprised at my act of kindness and said that more people should act similarly to what I was doing. Since I was unable to capture the conversation and act on camera, I asked the man to write down what he believed should be done to spread positivity in the world. While others were also hesitant, I got at least one other man to write down his own perspective that I keep in that notebook. This small exchange reminded me a lot of Kimberly Drew's quote "Small actions foster change. Our activism, like any other part of ourselves, develops into something bigger than a singular experience"(Drew 61). It was a small exchange. It was something that would normally seem totally insignificant. However talking to that older gentleman, he told me that his neighbor had a kid and he'd love to be able to hand the balloon to him to pass forward the kindness. Within that short time we were in the same area, we kept giving each other nods of approval and friendliness. I never got his name, but his face is one I would never forget.

    Aspects of Love Activism I didn't do on camera are the aspects of Self-Care and Mindfulness. These elements are inherently more personal and something that all should achieve to accomplish to live a happier life. Self-Care is about pacing yourself, understanding that while it is normal to push oneself, it is also normal to take a step back and breathe, relax. I often am bogged down at work, working long hours with only 1 break in 9-10 hour shifts. I overwork myself, so I took the advice of Self-Care into consideration. At any given opportunity I could, I would allow myself to unwind. I would go out for walks, head to the movies, and appreciate all the work I have done for myself over all these years. Life is not easy on anyone. We all have struggles unique to ourselves and sometimes we simply need a breather. Love Activism was something that encouraged such thoughts. "If men are to reclaim the essential goodness of male being, if they are to regain the space of openheartedness and emotional expressiveness that is the foundation of well-being, we must envision alternatives to patriarchal masculinity"(Hooks 33). Bell Hooks' chapter of Understanding Patriarchy, it really displayed that both women AND men are subject to the results of patriarchy. It is deeper than just men ruling and ordering things around, but also the expectations of what men can and cannot do. At work, I am expected to do every amount of more physical labor unless there is zero chance I am available to do so. It is expected of me and I joke around about it. I got time to think it and during my downtime, I got to appreciate both the benefits and downfalls of that thinking. I allowed myself to evaluate my state which Hooks mentions is something that is often not expected of a man. It was something rewarding on a personal level rather than a more outward level compared to my first objective.

    There are many more minor aspects of Love Activism I partook in during the build up to the presentation. I said thank you to bus drivers, I had talks to close friends about their mental states and the status of their lives. I visited the World Trade Center Memorial. Things that I would normally think are mundane, but each play further parts into Love Activism. It is something that I would have never thought about, but it was far more interesting that I could have imagined. Putting myself out there for my practices of Hope felt like just a small taste of the future I have as a director, putting out works for thousands to see. Despite how little I got to show off, the acts of Love Activism is something mixed between outward and inward. I acknowledge myself as much as I do the outside world. I aim to be better and spread positivity. Love Activism is something more people should look into as it is truly a special type of activism.

Works Used:

Love Activism - Stacy Russo

The Art of Activism - Steve Duncombe + Steve Lambert

Understanding Patriarchy - Bell Hooks

https://www.impactfund.org/social-justice-blog/loveinactivism

https://www.loveactivists.org