wHAT IS #BREAKFREE?
Break Free is a project created to help people around the world to understand the effects of a stereotype, either by social experiments, a spoken word, and an art piece.
Our inspiration...
To understand how these stereotypes affected these people, we read a story called, “Whistling Vivaldi.” Which talked about the different kind of races or genders that have to deal with racism or being judged. The story was mainly about a black man that would walk down the street and notice people crossing the street and walking on the other side of the street in fear of crossing paths with him, based off his skin color. He then did an experiment where he would whistle the classical Vivaldi, and examine people’s reaction. They didn't crossing the street. He was conforming into the white culture, people became more at comfortable when interacting with him on the street. It showed that people are forced to live life differently than others due to the racial stereotyping.
Next, we wanted to get a better understanding of the kind of stereotypes for all types of people. We started this by placing big poster papers with the words, “Black, Mexican, White, and Asian,”. We were then asked to write anything we knew or thought about these groups of people. After looking what was written, all of them seemed to be misconceptions because how can you categorize them by group and assume it's all true.
Next, we wanted to get a better understanding of the kind of stereotypes for all types of people. We started this by placing big poster papers with the words, “Black, Mexican, White, and Asian,”. We were then asked to write anything we knew or thought about these groups of people. After looking what was written, all of them seemed to be misconceptions because how can you categorize them by group and assume it's all true.
the process...
For my personal piece I decided to create a spoken word. In this, I talk about my struggles growing up from being neglected from my peers, and afraid to be myself with anyone.
The next part of this project was creating a "That Card". It's an anonymous paragraph confessing something you’ve ever had to deal with because of your race, religion, and gender. I talked about how growing up was very difficult. And how I struggled making friends in middle school.
The next part of this project was creating a "That Card". It's an anonymous paragraph confessing something you’ve ever had to deal with because of your race, religion, and gender. I talked about how growing up was very difficult. And how I struggled making friends in middle school.
reflection
I kind of liked the Breakfree project. I liked the idea of opening up and moving forward from what happened in our past. The challenge of this project was having the courage to talk about growing up. I really wanted to forward and not to think about it. As I was writing my “THAT” card and my personal piece, I started to tear up, because all of the terrible things that have happened to me gave me flashbacks. But I managed to get through it with the support of my peers. What I’ve learned from this project was to have courage and be willing to confess whatever is bothering you. And to love yourself. I hope that people are willing to stop judging and to get to know someone before they do.
In my video, my group and I talked about what the term "White washed" meant. I've provided out brainstorm paper, our script and our actual video. ---------->
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