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[roxyucla]

Blog 6: Walking Awake by N.K. Jemis

My blog posts conclude here for now, dear readers, as I finish up the last week of my Afrofuturism class. We end off on a strong note, a story called Walking Awake by N.K. Jemisin which tells the story of a dystopian world where human bodies are essentially sourced and bred for hosting these parasite-like beings called Masters who insert themselves into human bodies and take ownership. The story follows the main character, Sadie, who becomes a martyr and sacrifices herself for the greater good of future generations. Her death is structured in a way that channels the past victims' trapped consciousness and collective trauma, suffering and memories of death through her, to overwhelm the Master that takes host to her body. Her decision is rooted in so much symbolism. It relates to some major overall themes that make this story a recognizable symbol of resistance against colonization, dehumanization, and the spirit of revolution, all related to topics we discussed in class, in relation to Afrofuturism. The purpose of these stories is to portray similar upbringings and showcase motivational results, whether through sacrificial means or other. The idea of trapped consciousness and trauma of past victims relates to slavery and how we see the trauma from then, integrated into our cultural history with deep roots, show up in various issues today. This is true in any alternative universe we choose to examine. The point is, whether utopian or dystopian, regardless of the load of the trauma and the depth of the history, Afrofuturism encourages change, motivates healing, reimagines futures where these tragic stories are rewritten, and black power and influence is recognized. Through the various works we discussed in this class, it's important to come back to key aspects and use them as tools for applying Afrofuturistic teachings to our own lives. This specific story, Walking Awake, relies heavily on Sadie's ability to dream, and her resistance to memories. Why would this be the case? Because a key part of moving on is using the fuel from past trauma to push forward. This is the most important takeaway for me, from Afrofuturism. It taught me to look at trauma from a new perspective, and find motivation to achieve a greater good, to imagine a future where realities can look utopian. I hope those of you reading my blogs have felt encouraged to explore Afrofuturism for yourselves, and have the opportunity to interact with some of the materials discussed this far. Thank you for your support!

[roxyucla]

Blog 5: District 9

As we approach finals in the quarter, I find so much joy in being able to watch a film and be able to relax but still be in the academic realm, if that makes sense. Similar to Black Panther, watching District 9 this week did not feel like an assignment and gave me a little break, yet keeping me engaged with a compelling story. It’s essentially about this alien spaceships that arrives in johannesburg, Africa (hinting about the afro-futuristic roots) and contains there's prawns that are obviously very foreign, and collectively they are known as district 9 which is how the government labels the area where they keep them. It follows the story of a man who accidentally turns into one of the prawns and tries to find ways to survive. What I liked about the movie is how the narrative flips, and he goes from being the leader of an operation to one of them, depending on them for survival. This theme of otherness and survival speaks to the afrofuturistic connotation within the film. The fact that it originates from Africa, I assume, is also intentional, in terms of placing technology and the discovery of aliens – a symbol of futurism– in the center of Africa. The prawns in the story also touch on themes of otherness and what it feels like to be mistreated, exploited, experimented on, almost criticizing the exploitation of marginalized groups and capitalism in general, just in a reverse way almost. The main character, the human-turned-prawn is also an important part of afrofuturism because he blends in these two very groups, offering us a hybrid perspective, which labels the problems of us vs. them, showing that both sides can experience similar feelings, have concerns for survival and be in a place where they feel fragile and at a disadvantage. And these roles can switch overnight. This theme shows that these systems create hate and discrimination, privilege, and resistance is necessary for survival in a world where people don’t accept you as one of their own. Some parts of it actually reminded me about the Planet of the Apes movie with James Franco, because the Apes go from being the “others” to the owners, showing the tables switching. And we see Franco’s character being this middle man, with his special connection to the Ape and the scientific origin of the root of the film. I think these are important topics to discuss within and outside of Afrofuturism, especially as we lean more into the powers of Ai, giving up some important tasks that humans had control over since the beginning of time. It makes me wonder if there will be a time where we draw a “us” vs “them” with Ai, and if yes, what are we going to do?

[roxyucla]

Blog 4: Black Panther

Hands down, my favorite work so far in my afrofuturism class that we have covered so far has been the Black Panther movie. I had actually been wanting to watch this since before taking this class as I heard a lot of good things about it from the marvel superfans, so just finding this in the class gave me the perfect opportunity. From the beginning the movie was very captivating, and did not feel like those movies you watch dreadingly for class. Now having some knowledge on afrofuturism, going into the film, I could pick up on a lot of the aspects in the film. The advanced technology they had, the way their African community was so ahead of the world, living in an utopia state, women having important power roles and being the face of the country, etc. Wakanda thrives from their source of vibranium, yes, but the people of Wakanda were the ones to use their resources correctly, and not get greedy. They built amazing innovations, and by they I mean Shuri specifically. She was the princess of Wakanda, and the brains behind the technological assets of the country. Her character is an entire representation of Afrofuturism, showing women as the creator of such extraordinary things which is usually not only reserved for “white excellence” but more specifically men. Traditionally, this role is sufficed predominantly by men, even though even in those cases the true innovators were women whose ideas were stolen, but I digress. Black panther also embodies the underlying conflicts between different black communities, especially between African Americans, and African continentals over the heritage of slavery, what identity prevails and what healing looks like, all of which are topics of Afrofuturism, which displays empowerment and great futures as the remedy for this healing. The film also shows that beautiful futures can coexists with traditions that  keep the heritage of rituals, tribal customs, languages and spirituality, all of which Afrofuturism again touches on. For me, this film was more than a depiction of Afrofuturism though, the story was deep, full of complex characters and storylines. Even the villain, Killmonger, had a reason for his upbringing which makes the audience’s heart break for him too. The film for me, was about love, responsibility, regrets, accountability, and revenge. How these characters chose to use their power, who to share it with, and who to use it against, shows a lot about humans and their flawed judgement. Overall, a great film, and I will definitely be watching the second film very soon. Highly, highly recommend!

[roxyucla]

Blog 3: Beyonce "All Night"

Beyonce’s All Night music video had interesting incorporations of Afrofuturistic elements, as well as presenting an homage to Daughters of the Dust, through its visual and symbolic parallels. It was interesting to see those similarities after watching the film in my Afrofuturism class. Beyonce’s music video centers around Black women, healing, soft Black love (which is radical to the typical portrayal in media which often stereotypically depicts Black men as unfaithful and embodies in toxic masculinity). Given the circumstances of Beyonce’s and Jay-Z relationship at the time, the video shows recovery and healing, not just in terms of their relationship but also healing as a race from systematical oppression, this is an afrofuturistic ideal which preaches rewriting Black futures by recovering from past traumas. However, its also important to remember and preserve cultural identity, and to find that power through familial and ancestral strength, we see this also in the film, which battles with heritage, diaspora and preserving memories. Beyonce pulls a lot from this film, featuring generations of women, grandmothers, mothers and daughters, with various hairstyles— braids, natural afros, headwraps, etc., and skin complexions, all dressed in white dresses, roaming around in open spaces. I personally really like the concepts in both representations, highlighting the gentleness of women, their white dresses showing purity and calmness, showing love and affection. I think this presentation of Black women, and their dynamic with other Black women and men is important for reshaping hateful stereotypes and creating brighter futures, which is what Afrofuturism establishes. The concepts in these two videos demonstrate a soft side in opposition to the negative depiction we often see in media which emphasizes the not so glorious parts of the human experience. Beyonce is an icon, and her name means something for this generation. The influence of her music goes further than music charts and awards. It has a powerful message, far bigger than just making a statement about forgiving her partner after cheating scandals. Her message is empowering for women, it accepts and shows pride in their identity and shows the beauty in all the small details. Similarly, the women in the film Daughters of the Dust are resilient, holding onto their traditions, spiritual strength as they go through uncertainties of migration and losses. These two videos remind us that tomorrow’s bright future relies on the choices we make today, through healing and remembering.

[roxyucla]

Blog 2: Earthseed Community

Octavia Butler’s concept/religion of Earthseed community from Parable of the Sower carries a message of hope, resilience, and adaptation. It preaches about survival and growth through accepting change and molding it. Taking inspiration from the book, two issues that make it necessary for me to create an Earthseed community are the natural disasters California is prone to (e.i., wildfires and earthquakes) and the mass deportation crisis that we face today as a nation. Therefore I would base my Earthseed community outside of the U.S. Somewhere where it's safe and everyone is welcomed. Somewhere like Switzerland, where people are statistically happier, and there is minimal risk of wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. “All that you touch, You Change. All that you Change, Changes you. The only lasting truth Is Change. God Is Change” (Butler, 28). This is a main principle of the Earthseed vision, and applies beautifully to our crisis today. Environmentally and politically. These changes, though negative, are apart of the ups and downs of the human experience. Survival is only possible through change. Adaptability is key, which is why we will begin anew in Switzerland and everyone who faces issues politically in the U.S. is welcome to join us there. Everyone is welcome to join, there will be security measures to ensure safety of our community members and those who violate the peace will be asked to leave – that’s as far as leadership will go. Everyone is equal, but there will be safety measures in place to ensure safety and lack of oppression. “In order to rise From its own ashes A phoenix First Must Burn” (Butler, 52). We are a community that has suffered a lot, and we are now the rising phoenix from our ashes, stronger than ever. The technology that will ensure our survival will be Ai generated, one that simply ensures there is no violence, and will keep track of the removal of those who do. This will be human monitored to ensure it doesn’t turn into a sci-fi apocalypse. Our community will survive because people will live in harmony, adapt to the changes through the earthseed moto and continue to advance. Earthseed is all about shaping change, and that requires knowledge, skills, and creativity – therefore there will be schools to continue teaching environmental science, farming, languages, self-defense, conflict mediation, philosophy, survival skills and an earthseed class to explain these concepts and guide people. We will also live in eco-friendly homes from local and recycled materials to ensure the regulation of our carbon footprints and the survival of our land and world. Residents can plant Earthseed trees and gardens that will not only beautify our land but also create a healthy atmosphere, all while symbolizing how life and change are intertwined and continuously changing.

[roxyucla]

Blog 1: Never Catch Me - Analysis

My introduction to Afrofuturism starts with this class. I had no previous exposure to this genre but I enjoy learning about its style and representation. It mixes futuristic and sci-fi elements into Black heritage and culture, presenting art from a unique angle. The perfect introduction to afrofuturism can be found in Flying Lotus’ “Never Catch Me” music video featuring Kendrick Lamar. It is an interesting collaboration between the traditional lenses of what funerals look like, mixed in with upbeat music, which overlays children rising from their caskets inside the church. I was very taken aback by this, especially when the boy opened his eyes. Their rise from the caskets was very eerie, and their movements in dancing were unsettling because of the scene in front of us, and the lack of reaction from the adults in the church. It’s almost like they don’t see the kids dancing. Death is traditionally mourned, especially if the given person is a young kid which contradicts with the kids waking up and dancing, which is where I think Afrofuturism shines through. The idea that death maybe isn’t such a mournful thing, and maybe there can even be a celebration? It’s a futuristic way of looking at death, seeing it as a cycle of life. The high energy upbeat music eventually tunes out the eeriness of the opening scene, especially as the kids run out of the church and into the open space. This to me symbolizes freedom. Freedom from complex emotions, freedom from social norms, and ideas that ground us to limited mindsets, ei. mourning the death of a loved one. This idea is very prevalent in futuristic mindsets, and the music video blends this in with electronic and hip-hop beats, which are both genres deeply rooted in Black history and culture. Kendrick Lamar is known for his exceptional taste when it comes to lyrical aspects, so his translation from the lyrics to the portrayal in the video is a very smooth one with the opening line saying I see darkness in me and its amazing, life and death is no mystery and I wanna taste it. This line further explores the idea of embracing death, and accepting it, rather than fearing it. I think this is an interesting take on death, and captures the essence of Afrofuturism quite well. It is a very well made video, which I recommend you all to watch!