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Classmate Short Film

One powerful short film created by a very talented classmate titled Nunca Olvides Tu Nombre highlighted several important themes that we have covered throughout the quarter. Additionally, she shed light on the emotional implications of displacement and survival. This film stood out to me, and I am sure many others, because of the strong resemblance to today’s society with our current political climate. Unfortunately, we are still living in a world where the Hispanic people, similarly to African Americans, are constantly being targeted. Anyone who does not fulfill the White criteria is subjected to a lifetime of oppression and loss. This is something that was made very clear throughout the short film she created. 

In the film, viewers see her family’s lifestyle filled with love, peace, and happiness, all before that was stripped away from them. Interestingly enough, although this short film is set in the future, this is our reality today. The film also ties in the crisis of global warming and shows both the environmental collapse and the Hispanic population migration. These are two very pressing issues, which is why I think this film is so powerful. 

Families are being stripped away from one another, and some people think this is acceptable. Her film does an incredible job of showing the heartbreak and loss that these people face. For example, in the scene where she spends her birthday alone and blows out her own candles. This is the harsh reality that many people have to face. Birthdays, weddings, deaths, graduations, and all these major life events are being taken away from these families. 

Her character Carolina was the only Hispanic survivor of this scientific migration experiment. Despite everything, she continued to do everything she needed to survive. She was very isolated and lonely and only had the companionship of her dog. She also had to make sure she stayed hidden, closed the blinds, and always had an emergency bag packed. All of these survival mechanisms are a direct influence from Parable of the Sower and Lauren’s survival tactics she used.

Lastly, another powerful element of the film was the use of protesting. Despite the world where people are supposed to remain calm and comply, the film shows how the use of protest is a powerful tool to stand up for what is right. This is something that I think we see people nowadays are becoming more comfortable with. People were standing up for all of the people who were taken. This reminded me of the current Black Lives Matter movement that fights to end police brutality and all of the lives that were lost due to violence. Therefore, this film is packed with many different relevant and impactful themes that shed light on certain injustices that impact marginalized communities. The ending was another very powerful part that almost left me in tears. Despite everything that was taken from her, they could never take away her name or her voice. Her name is Carolina, and she made sure to remember her roots and not let anyone take that away from her. As she stepped out of the confines of her home, she used her fear to be brave. I think this is something that was very powerful and really helped end the film in a positive light. No matter how hard someone tries to dim your light, we can still come out on top. 

Therefore, throughout this work, we see how themes of survival, displacement, and dystopianism all come together to create a story that sheds light on certain racial injustices. Similarly to all of the other works we have covered, this sets a very powerful and optimistic message for us as viewers. It is up to us to be more mindful about what is going on and try to help fight against these issues. For instance, by protesting and standing up for what is right, rather than standing by and letting it happen.

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Bitches Brew, Lion's Blood, and District 9!

In class, we have talked about a majority of different works that convey central themes that are crucial for the future of afro futurism, and some that are not afrofuturistic at all. For instance, in the music portion where we looked at Miles Davis’s Bitches Brew, we can see how the cover itself conveys a very powerful message. In a sense, it encaptures a beautiful sense of unity through the two people with different skin colors intertwining their hands. This was a symbol of hope and unity that we oftentimes do not see, so this was quite refreshing. Interestingly, this cover is another prime example of how impactful messages can be told from one image alone. It does not take a short film or full movie to have afrofuturistic elements and deep symbols of hope embedded in it. 

Additionally, in other works like Lions Blood by Steven Barnes, readers see a really interesting narrative that flips the concept of slavery on its head. For me personally, I thought this was very powerful because I feel like books are always written about the Black people who were enslaved. However, this narrative allows the Black people to finally be in charge and take back the power that was once stripped from them. A side note to that is also when Steven was talking to the previous class on this topic and mentioned how it was hard to tap into that dark place for the characters. People often undermine the emotional investment that writers have to put into their characters to create a meaningful story. Therefore, I thought it was very interesting how he mentioned that he was not going to turn into the people who have once hurt him. This is something that really stood out to me and made me ponder the question of how far other people would go to tell a good story in the eye’s of Hollywood? In his case, despite flipping slavery, it was still hard to create a world that depicts the same horrors that the Black people were subjected to. This definitely helps highlight the importance of this work and why it is so unique in today’s society. Personally, I feel that these topics, such as slavery, should be discussed only by people who have done enough research on the topic or know about the experiences from a personal connection. Black people should have the power to talk about these experiences and they should not have to have another White author strip their voices from their own trauma that their people went through. 

Lastly, other works that we covered such as District 9 was also an interesting piece. Although I did think the film was interesting to watch, there is no denying that this film was not afrofuturistic by any means. In my opinion, the main character still being a White character was quite disheartening because it could have been a more powerful movie being told from a Black person’s perspective. This leads me to wonder if the film could have been done in a better way if conducted by a Black director? Although this is not to say that the director did this with malicious intent, there is no denying that people always do what is in the best interest of Hollywood. For some, this is the continuous manipulation and lack of representation of strong Black characters. This is a prime example of why this work is not afrofuturistic. 

However, this work does have some important themes that we have discussed such as “othering” through the aliens. This unfortunately represents the way Black people were and sometimes still are treated to this day. It was sad to see how they were all confined up and everyone was trying to get rid of them because they were viewed as “dangerous” and discardable. This reminded me of the film The Space Traders where Black people were also “othered” and sold out by those in charge. I think the parallels of these films show that Black people are constantly the target of hateful actions. Although unfortunate, these films still bear some relevance in today’s society with the current political climate. So although this particular work is not afrofuturistic, it still shows some important themes such as racism and othering that can be impactful when analyzed further.

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Powerful music videos Kendrick Lamar's "Alright, Childish Gambino's "This is America", and "Never Catch Me" by Flying Lotus featuring Kendrick Lamar!!

Many of the works discussed in this class have covered some very powerful topics. However, one that really stood out to me was Kendrick Lamar’s music video “Alright”. Despite being one of my favorite songs, I never saw the music video prior to this course. After seeing it, I couldn’t help but think of all the powerful themes it had throughout it. For instance, the video perfectly captures the harsh reality of the experiences African American people face with the police on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this is a constant struggle that has still not gotten any better today. However, there has been more light shed on these injustices due to the Black Lives Matter Movement. Kendrick also shows the power of joy throughout the music video. Despite what is going on, people are still preserving and fighting through the violence they are living in. One prominent scene that stood out to everyone was the final moment where Kendrick was standing on the light pole and got “shot” by an officer holding a fake gun. The smile at the end is a direct symbol of hope and unity. Although there is no way to change the corrupt system, Kendrick is showing how him and his people will continue to be alright. Similarly, Childish Gambino’s “This is America” music video was another hard video to watch. However, despite the graphicness of the video, it still remains important. Although it can be hard to watch, it is important to note that this is the current world we are living in. People are getting shot by police solely because of the color of their skin. Personally, I feel like people are very quick to forget about these horrific actions because it might not be something that applies to them. Maybe you have the luxury of not being worried about getting pulled over by the police. Maybe you have the luxury of not being looked at differently because of how you look. All of these things are represented in both videos and they remind us to never forget about what is happening in our society. 

Lastly, another very powerful music video that we watched is “Never Catch Me” by Flying Lotus featuring Kendrick Lamar. This is a song that I have never heard of before. However, there were many direct connections to the other musical pieces that we have covered. For instance, I thought it was very powerful how the video started off at the children’s funeral. The video soon pivots and starts showing the children running towards the door and running out of the funeral to go play with other children. The rest of the video focuses on positive elements that show kids being kids. They are playing, dancing, and doing all the things kids should be doing. I think this is another prime example of how these works can show both the horrific aspects of what is going on in our society, and still transition to focusing on the positive. This allows people to see both themes of oppression and resistance at the same time. In other words, it also takes back the power and reframes the narrative that the African American people are only victims. In my opinion, this shows how strong the African American community is. Despite everything, they still show up and rally together. This is something that we have seen time and time again, even with the most current Black Lives Matter movement. People showed up for one another and said this is enough. I think all of these works demonstrate their power perfectly and I am excited to see what artists after them continue to do so as well.

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"Othering", the power of music fighting against oppression, and today's society of more accurate representation within films!

A topic that stood out to me within the course is the theme of “othering” and also how creators use joy as a way to fight against oppression, through works like Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” music video. A lot of times, we see works that show the oppression that African American people have to face on a daily basis solely because of the color of their skin. Specifically, even in today’s society, we can see certain political leaders trying to create a divide among the community. For instance, they try to label them as “different” or criminals to try and “other” them within society. Other works, like we have discussed such as “Sorry to Bother You” also perfectly encapsulates this idea through the main character Cassius. Oftentimes, people try so hard to divide people based on their differences in order to maintain the hierarchy within society. For instance, people in power choose to exploit other people’s weaknesses to ensure they always remain in control. This is something that can also be seen in other works we have covered throughout the course in the film The Space Traders. People are so quick to sell others out as long as it benefits them which is the sad reality of our past and current history. For a long time, African American people have been labeled as the “other” and works like these go to show that racism is alive and well. Oftentimes, people tend to not care about issues unless it directly relates to them. However, works like these do shed light on how cruel our world is and how quick people are to label someone as an “other” solely because they are “different” in the eyes of society.

Another topic and theme that we discussed in class is the use of joy to fight through the oppression that African American people are subjected to. For instance, in Kendrick Lamar’s music video “Alright”, we can see how these issues of racism and police brutality are brought to light. In the video, it depicts some very graphic scenes that show the harsh reality of the systemic racism in our police system. However, despite this, joy was never lost throughout the video which shows how music can be used as a tool to fight against these issues as well. Kendrick smiling at the end of the video was a hopeful way of saying everything is going to be alright no matter what battles are thrown at them. This is one example of how joy and even different media outlets can be used as a productive tool to shed light on issues that other people in Hollywood tend to forget. Although it might never “fix” racism as some afro-pessimists might say, this type of representation is crucial if we ever want to see some kind of difference.

Lastly, another topic that encompasses everything we have talked about is about how there is more representation of the Black community today. In other words, there is more accurate representation that shows them in roles of power, rather than the stereotypical narrative that they should be subordinate than their White counterparts. Every work and topic that we talked about this far is a prime example of how Black people, especially even Black women, are able to finally be strong lead roles. Furthermore, they are also showing the strength within these women and show the sacrifices that they have to make in order to just coexist in this world. For instance, like Lauren in Parable of the Sower, or Asha in Pumzi, these women show strong women who took on leadership roles to create a better life for themselves. Straying away from the stereotypical white male savior story is really empowering and continues to challenge the past history in order to create a new one.

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Parable of the Sower: Earthseed community

Two real-world pressing issues that cause the need to create an Earthseed community, similar to are mental health issues and sexism. Mental health, especially in today’s society, with social media causes people to feel lonelier than ever. Additionally, I think sexism is another very pressing issue that deeply impacts society. Therefore, I want to create a community in order to help alleviate some of these issues that people might be struggling with and create a more positive outlook for these individuals. In other words, I want it to be a refuge for individuals who might feel lost, confused, or even sad about who they are. This is a place where shelter will be provided against individuals who lack empathy and are inconsiderate towards other individuals. For me personally, unethical and careless politicians, family members, significant others, and anyone who is unable to abide by the philosophy of kindness and open-mindedness are who we are seeking shelter from. 

Two strong Earthseed verses that are going to play a key role in my community are “Belief initiates and guides action— or it does nothing” and “There is no end to what a living world will demand of you”. Both of these are very powerful in my opinion and can be used interchangeably when talking about my two issues, both mental health and sexism. For instance, in the first quote, we can apply this because a belief alone is not enough to create a successful and harmonious community. There needs to be action to strive to combat the mental health crisis, and issues pertaining to sexism. Having a belief that something is wrong is not enough to spark change. This is something that we can see throughout all aspects of our lives. Secondly, I think the second verse is very fitting because it pertains directly to both issues. For instance, this quote shows the constant pressure that is placed on individuals, sometimes even unrealistic standards. As long as we are alive, there will always be criticism, which can lead to poor mental health outcomes, and especially as a woman too. Women are constantly under society’s pressure to be perfect, act and dress a certain way, and if you deviate from this you are labeled as “less than”. Therefore, I will use the first verse to show my community that we are nothing without action. Words are nothing unless we all actively work together and fight for change. In the second quote, I will use this to dismantle the false narrative that we always have to be perfect. In this community, there will be no demands or expectations to live up to society’s standards, but rather only the ones our community sets which is both kindness and empathy.

The toxic culture within Los Angeles can sometimes cause people to feel very alone and it can have a severe impact on our mental health. Especially for women, LA, with the heavy emphasis on influencers and models, can sometimes create a bad environment. Therefore, my Earthseed community will be located on a farm in the hills of Tuscany. This will allow individuals to be in nature and away from the hectic city lifestyle. Individuals will be surrounded by animals, be able to grow their own crops, and live as a community. Having this bond where we help each other will allow us to create a strong community where we share and help each other. Service and cell phones will not be used often and it will be a community that places a large emphasis on the current moment.

In my community, I will be open to accepting anyone who is struggling with mental health, or who is passionate about the topic of sexism and ways to overcome it. I will accept anyone who wants to work towards changing the stigmatized narrative around mental health and the negative connotation that female empowerment often brings. Individuals who do not believe in the importance of mental health resources and empowerment are not welcome in my community. In order for us to create an effective community, it is important that we do not allow individuals who will not take these issues seriously.  Individuals who want change and want to stop oppression are those who I want in my Earthseed community. This community will be centered on the foundation of optimism and I will make it my duty to oversee actions within the community, as well as recruit individuals who want to be a part of our community. In doing so, I can ensure that only individuals who are truly passionate and ready to make a difference can be allowed in. However, the overall structure and leadership within the walls of our community will be a shared effort in which everyone is expected to partake in. Educational classes and mental health seminars will be conducted by a new member every week so everyone can share their experiences and possibly learn from them.

With that being said, it can be hard to keep a community functioning without running into any issues. Therefore, one future technology that would intrigue me would be a mental health robot that you are able to program to help with mental health advice and for people to talk to. Similar to AI technology, I think it would be interesting to see how this advancement could improve the community and allow people to seek comfort, without the pressure of feeling judgement. In order for my Earthseed community to survive, I must ensure that people live by the word we are preaching. For instance, it is important that people who live within my community are helping others who are struggling and feeling torn down. Having lessons about the importance of mental health and showing women within the community that they are powerful are two steps I plan to implement within the community. This will allow people to learn and spread information to others who may be in need.

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Short film Pumzi by Wanuri Kahiu, Many Moons by Janelle Monáe, and Space Traders by Derrick Bell!

The short film Pumzi by Wanuri Kahiu that we watched in class was such an interesting sci-fi piece that I have never seen, or heard about prior to this course. Although it was not a long film, it was able to convey very important messages that made me connect it to African American empowerment, female empowerment, and it also touches on the sacrifices people have to make in order to fight for what they believe in. The main character, Asha, was a prime example of the self-sacrifices that people have to make to prove their worth within society. After being denied access to the outside world, it was up to Asha to prove that life existed beyond their confined reality. Specifically the scene that stood out was where the council told her “the outside is dead, exit visa denied”. Similarly to today’s society, Asha decided to fight for what she believed in and ultimately had to sacrifice her life to finally prove what she always knew. There was fresh soil capable of growth on the outside. This reminded me of the constant struggles that certain individuals have to make in order to have their voices heard in today’s society. Jumping through extra barriers, such as racism, is one pivotal part of the African American experience that reminded me of my own privilege. That particular scene where she presumably died and the plant started growing was very symbolic because it showed how her dedication allowed for something beautiful to be reborn. Personally, it reminded me of the saying we always hear when someone says they put their “blood, sweat, and tears into this”. For Asha, she made sure she never gave up which is why the tree growing and creating a new life was symbolic. In my opinion, this felt like a win for anyone who has ever faced oppression in their life. That moment was so empowering and was something I have never felt from a film before, let alone a short one. 

Other impactful works that stood out to me were Janelle Monáe’s Many Moons and Derrick Bell’s The Space Traders. Janelle Monae’s work was powerful because it showed how the power of joy can be an effective tool for combating resistance throughout the video and in everyday live. For instance, despite blatant racism and oppression, individuals within the African American community can use their joy as a way to fight against the negativity that is thrown at them. The Space Traders is another influential piece that unfortunately still bears relevance in today’s society due to our current political climate. Seeing the resemblance makes me sad about our current society, however, these works are still very important because they shed light on injustices to try and improve these issues. Although Afro-Pessimists argue that racism is something that will never be fixed, I still believe these works are crucial if we ever want to see moderate change within society. In other words, these works can be used as a conversation starter to discuss these difficult issues and bring awareness to them, rather than going in with the intention of trying to “overturn” it. History can repeat itself which is why these works are imperative to take back the narrative and power that was once stripped from the African American people.

Specifically, it can get people who have never heard of these works familiar with them and start a conversation. These works stood out to me and reminded me that there is power within each story. Launching the course with Pumzi caused me to feel very emotional because it left me with the question that we all pondered in class. How many sacrifices must African American women face? In other words, it really challenged me to think about equality and why this is a hard concept for individuals to grasp. Is it because people want to preserve hierarchies, are they too constricted to their racist ways, or what is the true issue? For me, Pumzi shows that although we might never find the answer to these questions, the fight for what we believe in is never over. Sometimes, it is even just proving to ourselves, like Asha, that they are capable of defying the outside voices and standing up for what they believe in. Despite being such a short film, Pumzi was nothing short of inspirational and is a must watch for people to recognize the harsh realities that certain individuals have to face.