The ARTivism panel held tonight featured four different panelists, all with very interesting and different things to say. Upon listening to everything the panelists had prepared, as well as the Q&A portion, I left the event inspired. It was interesting to see how each speaker’s work had such a contemporary take to it; that I could understand and relate to.
Panelist Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, associate professor at Lakehead University had me instantly intrigued, once she began discussing the Slut Walk, and #MeToo. She shared a story about a Toronto police officer that said “in order to prevent sexual assault, women should avoid dressing like sluts.” Due to this comment, women everywhere got together and took part in a Slutwalk, trying to put an end to the derogatory term ”slut.” This movement, as well as similar feminist movements everywhere, inspire me to go out and actually do something. Rape culture and slut shaming is something I would love to help put an end to.
Panelist Susanne Nyaga, President of Ryerson’s Student Union, mentioned how a hashtag can be effective when spreading a message, however it cannot do everything. Going out, and being apart of change, is the only thing that can actually make a change. This reminds me of the popular hashtag #BellLetsTalk. Once a year, people all over social media use the hashtag to spend awareness on mental illness. Although this hashtag does bring light to the problem, it doesn’t really solve anything. Without physically doing something, these problems will not go away. The Slutwalk Sandra Jeppesen mentioned is a perfect example of going beyond a hashtag, and creating a change.
Audrey Hudson, an assistant professor at OCAD University, touched on how hip hop was once viewed as a fad; a trend that would soon pass. Years later, and hip hop has become an integral part in our society. It’s in our music, our art, our fashion, as well as our culture and the people we are. I find this interesting, and upon hearing this, I am made aware that although things are one way at one point, if we stand in solidarity and support something we are passionate about, we can make a difference and create change.
Dr. RM Kennedy is a professor at Centennial College. Kennedy’s main discussion point was the Ontario college strike that took place just a few months prior. It was very interesting to gain an insider perspective on this event that I closely followed, and witnessed affecting my friends who are currently attending college. Dr. RM Kennedy had a major leadership role in the negotiations that took place, and through excellent leadership, helped lead to a happy conclusion for college educators in Ontario. Kennedy’s passion and leadership led to the change they wanted to see. This leadership further inspires me to take a stand, and not be afraid to speak out for what I believe.
Between these four individuals, and the work they partake in, I left Tuesday night’s event inspired. Inspired to actually go out and take on leadership roles; make my voice heard. Social media can be powerful, but there is more to do. As a white cis individual, I do have a stronger voice then some of my peers. Through these four panelists, I was made aware that I can speak up for them. Susanne specifically made clear that those affected by a stigma shouldn’t be the ones trying to educate others; they’re fighting a battle that is hard to win. If people like myself began raising awareness, and speaking out for those minorities with a smaller voice, we can make a change. If we all stand in solidarity, it is only then that we can start working towards full social justice.
