The following images represent the points of hatred and hope that I think most strongly shape American (and sometimes global) life and identity.
Points of Hatred
Points of Hatred
Racism
Homophobia
Violence
War
Poverty
Narrow-Mindedness
Points of Hope
Community
Family and Friends
Nature
Democracy and Opportunity
Education
For my posting I decided to do a Visual Exhibition of hatred and hope. I began by brainstorming some of the points of hatred/despair and hope that I think are most influential of American life and identity. I then searched key words on Flickr and found the above images. I like using Flickr for projects like this because these are real people's pictures--not manufactured or commercial, but true to life and experience. I ended up spending a lot of time looking at images, thinking about the ways that they represent my various "points," making choices here and there, and exploring different paths.
This project encouraged me to think about visual representation in a different way, to really consider how an image can influence a word, idea, or concept. For example, there were many different images I could have chosen to represent "war," but I hope that the one I chose conveys a sense of sadness, isolation, strength, and even a little bit of irreverence. I looked at so many images of "nature," but ultimately chose one that reminds me of spring, as that is the element of nature most on my mind these days. So, while I don't feel like I am a complete "creator" in this project--I didn't take the actual photographs--I do feel like my voice is making itself heard. These are the images that spoke to me, and if I were to extend this into a full student project, I would love to have students explain why they chose their specific images to represent their points of hatred and despair. Sometimes it comes down to simple preference, but really I think it's more complicated and significant than that.
I also like this kind of project because it teaches students to consider visual, as well as written, coherence. If I had more time I might want to create more of a unified portrayal of an American experience--or maybe I like images that contrast. This gets to the heart of some of the new literacies we've been discussing over the past year, and challenges students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate. And really, sometimes an image does say more than words ever could.
Kristin this is beautiful. You are so graceful.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Erin! This post is well-thought out, and each of the images touched me individually and the way you grouped them. The images interacted with the text but didn't depend on them. Great work!
ReplyDeleteYou've done it again, Bergsagel! Quite making me look bad.
ReplyDeleteUm, yeah, what they all said. Kristin you honestly have a gift. If I had your skill at writing, I'd write this comment simply to praise your skill. But of course, I don't think I could do that.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are beautiful and I have never even heard of the Flickr program; I'll definitely keep that in mind, as I'm going to be using photos as wordsparks in my upcoming class.
I agree that this is great to assign to students. As I pondered the idea of assigning my own students this, I asked myself if it would be easier for them if they had already performed a standard, basic (5 paragraph) essay. Or, would you assign this prior to the standard paper? Just some questions that surfaced while reading your post. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and I hope to stay in contact with you beyond this Thursday. You are very intelligent and I know you're going to be a wonderful teacher. Cheers to the Eng. Ed. Cohort (and your beautiful blogs).