Final Intervention Project - Chahinaze Mama
Unique
What is your project? Why you have chosen this topic and form of outreach? What is your message for the audience?
For my final project, It highlighted the differences that exist between people, whether it’s between friends, family, or strangers. Often, we focus on the things we have in common, rather than the unique qualities that make us who we are. In society, being different hasn't always been met with positivity, but these differences are what shape us. Whether it’s our culture, faith, favorite foods, or even the side we sleep on, every difference matters and contributes to our individuality. For my previous project, I used trees, but for this one, I will focus on the people around campus. I will have two strangers sit across from each other, introduce themselves, and for two minutes, they will try to identify as many differences as possible. The first minute will be spent silently writing down the differences they notice visually, and then a minute of discussion. After the two minutes, each person will compliment the other on a difference they admire or find unique. My research will explore how our differences not only make us stronger but also help shape our identities. My inspiration comes from Yoko Ono, whose work encourages embracing differences and stepping outside the boundaries of societal norms. Her performances, often considered controversial or unconventional, convey the message that it’s okay to be different.
*How did you reach an audience (ie "publish" the project)? How did the audience engage with the project? What feedback have you received?
My audience for this project was the students of NJCU. I selected two individuals who were strangers to each other, allowing them to engage in a conversation and explore the things they differentiate in. Through this 2 minute discussion, they were able to lightly share the their perspective, backgrounds, and features, building a deeper understanding of each other's uniqueness. After the conversation, each person walked away with a greater appreciation for their own individuality and the diversity that exists around them. This exercise highlighted how our differences can lead to meaningful connections and learning opportunities.
*How does this project fit into your professional aspirations and your portfolio?
This project fits into my professional aspirations as I will be connecting with many different people. As someone who isn't set on just one career yet, understanding the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and needs of people is essential for providing compassionate, effective care. As I'm majoring in biology with the goal of becoming a doctor, attending to the varying needs of different individuals will be one of my biggest responsibilities. Similarly, as I aim to get into real estate or even interior design, understanding the different preferences of individuals would also be an important part of my job.
*What artists or other projects have influenced or inspired your own project? List 4+ artists that connect with your project with brief explanations of why they connect or inspired your own project.
Banksy - This anonymous street artist’s works often address social, political, and cultural differences. Through provocative imagery and social commentary, Banksy encourages viewers to question norms and think critically about the world around them.
Frida Kahlo - Kahlo is known for her deeply personal, symbolic, and often painful works that explore identity, disability, and cultural differences. She celebrated her Mexican heritage, her physical and emotional struggles, and her unique perspective on life. Her art challenges societal norms about beauty, gender, and pain
Yoko Ono - Yoko Ono is an artist and peace activist known for her conceptual art and performance pieces that emphasize individuality and personal expression. Her "instruction pieces" invite others to engage with art in unique ways, encouraging viewers to embrace their differences. Through her work, Ono promotes themes of freedom, peace, and self-expression, inspiring people to celebrate diversity and recognize the value of being different.
Keith Haring - Haring's bold and vibrant artwork often addressed issues of social justice, human rights, and the celebration of individuality. He championed the rights of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, and used his art to promote equality and acceptance.
These artists all connect to my project idea because they emphasize on individuality, diversity, and the importance of understanding differences. Through their art, they challenge societal norms, promote self-expression, and advocate for communities, much like my project encourages people to connect and learn from each other's unique perspectives. Their work fosters empathy and appreciation for human diversity, relating to the goals of my project to highlight how embracing differences enriches our lives. Artist are a continuous inspiration to many people around the word and i believe there ability to show its okay to be different inspires others.
*What research has helped you inform this project?
List 5+ resources that informed or inspired your project in a resource list at the end of your project summary.
https://www.morningcoach.com/blog/the-value-of-being-different
https://www.huna.org/html/differences.html
https://medium.com/the-ascent/being-different-is-a-good-thing-9cfaae6ce4e7
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_find_strength_in_being_different
Quotes -
1. "In addition to become good story-tellers, we need to teach ourselves to be really good listeners. By listening to the stories that people already tell themselves, we can begin to figure out how to fit our facts into their stories." i think in order for us to be able to tell good stories, we must also be good listeners. By understanding the stories people already believe, we can find ways to share our ideas in a way that fits with what they already think.
2. "By telling stories people are open to hearing, and under-standing how we can fit our concerns into stories people already tell themselves, we can get them to listen to what we have to say and look at what we want to show them. A bit of knowledge about how the mind and brain work, and a creative, story-based approach to activism, allow us to bypass some of the cognitive barriers that stand our way." By telling stories that people are ready to hear, we can help them understand our concerns. Knowing how the mind works and using stories creatively in activism helps us get past mental barriers to make our message heard.
3. "In order to reach people where they are and show them another world is possible, we must appeal to their emotions and their intellect." To connect with people and show them a better world, we need to touch both their feelings and their thinking.
Link To Slides - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NsFRchbdagaiUY6Y9WTnGF9wAVKjLWY2b6YnjrVD0Ec/edit#slide=id.gd851afca02_1_75
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