#Issue 4 - Discrimination Privilege and stigmatisation

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Michel Montecrossa

Michel Montecrossa from Mirapuri-Coiromonte, Italy; is a visual artist who paints, draws, uses photography and creates film; as well as a philosophical and fictional writer and poet – who is also a musician. Michel has chosen the subject of Heterosexual Privilege for his submission for issue 4 of ASLI Magazine: “Discrimination, Privilege and Stigmatisation”.

  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My aim in life is to grow in consciousness to a fulfilling completeness.

What is your artistic/creative background?

Based on this aim I chose to become an integral artist that perfects his natural artistic capacities in fine arts, music, literature, movie-making and consciousness-research. I received a good education in these fields through schools and private teachers as well as extensive travels for the study of Eurasian and U.S.A. cultures.

What motivated you to deal with your chosen submission subject?

Out of this formative process a clear and intense certitude about the human potential emerged, a certitude about the fact that a better tomorrow is created by growing and entering into a new consciousness that among many things can change the heterosexual privilege of dominance into a tolerant and creative spiritual & social power for establishing and securing freedom of choice for all sexual expressions and preferences – this would be a step of great cultural importance; liberating in all aspects of human life, hidden and suppressed creative springs.

’Erotic Enrichment Society’ (Freedom Of Choice)’, Mirapuri, 2014, acrylic and ink on canvas, 200 x 100 cm

What is your process when creating?

The process of creating is an evolving and self-creative synthesis of all possibilities with drawing, painting, music, writing and movie making; that are embedded in my state of continuous consciousness-researching.

Who are you influenced by within your artistic discipline?

The artist, musician and consciousness liberation fighter Mira Alfassa.

Who inspires you in general?

The Great Consciousness that can be felt and seen in all creation as well as in all that transcends it.

What causes and world issues are you passionate about, campaign for, volunteer for…?

I have dedicated my life, work and art to help to build Mirapuri, the City of Peace and Futureman in Europe, Italy.

What do the statements “art saves lives” and “art creates change” mean to you?

“Art saves lives” because art connects us to the very principle of life which is consciousness showing us the meaning of life and how to live this meaningful life. For the same reason “art creates change”.

Have your artistic and creative outlets saved your life in anyway and do you think your message within them could help create change in the world?

My artistic and creative outlets saved my life through steadiness and through the message of hope contained in them. It is the message of hope that the world is in the process of a big change and that every action of goodwill can and will accelerate the speed of this change into a new step of evolution giving birth to the Futureman of Joy and Love and the building of the United States of Planet Earth for securing peace and creative world unity.

What are your present and future goals for your art?

The present and future goals of my art are the completion of Mirapuri, the City of Peace and Futureman in Europe, Italy, and to strengthen the spirit of Joy and Love all over the world through freedom of consciousness-growth

’Two Time-Women In a Landscape’, Mirapuri, 27th January 2015, ink on paper, 29,7 x 42 cm

‘Child Of The Mother Of Sex’ Mirapuri, 2012, acryl & wax crayon and ink on canvas, 140 x 100 cm

‘Selfportrait As A Landscape’ Mirapuri, 2013, Acryl on canvas, 100x80cm

‘Girl & Girl’, Mirapuri, 2013, ink and acryl on canvas, 30x118cm

Have you experienced any form of discrimination; and if so what was it based on and how did you deal with this?

As a free and living soul one is always in contact with discrimination which is based on unwillingness to change in harmony with the constant changes of the universe. One can deal with this by being an example for the Joy and Love that come through every step of widening the consciousness, understanding and compassion.

What are your opinions on what causes discrimination?

The cause of discrimination is conservatism and fear. They are the testing-grounds for every new step of evolution so that the new things can prove their effective right and capacity to replace old orders through love, peace, prosperity and security.

What do you do to actively stand against discrimination and have you ever had to intervene as a witness to it?

To be an artist means to actively stand against discrimination by showing the better way of wideness, freedom and love. To follow this way is a constant intervention for the better of all.

What are your opinions on labels and stereotypes?

Labels and stereotypes are reactions of fear. Empathy, humour and joy can transform fear into a happy ‘Let’s play together and have a good time’.

What are your opinions on national identity and in your opinion does nationalism create or deter discrimination?

National identity is good and necessary, if it is an identity that has its goal within a world union, the achievement of unity in diversity where each nation plays its indispensable free and self-determined role in the concert of the United States of Planet Earth and its well-being. Nationalism for its own sake is destructive and discrimination-driven.

How does social privilege affect our world in your opinion?

The true privilege is to know always more and to be able to do always more. If this privilege is activated in a non-egoistic way, it will lead our world in a positive direction.

Have you ever denied your own privilege due to feelings of guilt or misunderstanding?

To be conscious of the soul is a constant source of happiness where there is no guilt or misunderstanding.

Have you ever experienced social stigmatisation and if so what was it based on and how did you deal with this?

Social stigmatisation may come about to learn better how to transform it into higher understanding. So, the best thing is to reach higher understanding.

Have you ever contributed to the stigmatisation of any individual or group, and if so were you aware you did this and how did you deal with this aftermath?

Everything and everyone has a right for existing for some time whether you like it or not. The best thing is to learn from it and thus grow in consciousness so that the wrong things are not repeated and good things become real.

What are your opinions on political powers and world leaders using stigmatisation against certain groups to further their own agendas, such as with Muslims, Black people, LGBTQ individuals, mentally ill and disabled people?

Political powers and world leaders must be there to lead to freedom and unity, to the experience of a progressive world where everything is in its right place and time without quarrel and arrogance, full of goodwill to help each other and ready for the living celebration of humanity.

Do you support or take part in any anti-stigma organisations or charities and if so which ones and why?

I support and take part in the building of Mirapuri, the City of Peace and Futureman in Europe, Italy because it is an important anti-stigma organisation and warmhearted charity project.

In your own words please tell us how you feel the arts and creativity can further help to empower, communicate and educate people with regards to discrimination, privilege and stigmatisation?

Art and creativity are straight roads out of discrimination, false privileges and stigmatisation because they empower you, communicate to you and educate you through the true, the right and the vast of your loving soul.

  ’Deep Space Woman’, Universe Triptych #2, Mirapuri, 2014, acryl on canvas, 100 x 100 cm

‘America Comeback’, Miravillage, 2013, acryl and ink on canvas, 169 cm x 86 cm

When we embrace, Mirapuri.

’The City Of Ideas’, Mirapuri, 2014, wax crayon on paper, 29,7 x 42 cm

If you would like to know more about Michel Montecrossa please follow these links:

Website 

Mirapuri, the City of Peace and Futureman

Michel Montecrossa Blog

Facebook Page

Twitter

– Michel Montecrossa on iTunes

Michel Montecrossa on Vimeo

If you have any feedback on this article please fill in the contact form below:

[contact-form] Artist Michel Montecrossa addresses heterosexual privilege in a new art piece for ASLI Magazine Michel Montecrossa from Mirapuri-Coiromonte, Italy; is a visual artist who paints, draws, uses photography and creates film; as well as a philosophical and fictional writer and poet - who is also a musician.

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Jade Bryant

Visual artist Jade Bryant, 25 from Devon in the UK is part of the ASLI team as our Arts and Mental Health Campaigner & Feature Writer, every campaign we ask our team members and ambassadors if they would like to contribute to our publication. Jade chose to contribute a visual art piece on the social stigmatisation of mental health and here is what she had to say about it:

What motivated you to deal with your chosen submission subject?

I use art as a means of self help – mental health therapy and as a coping mechanism for my own mental health issues: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Dissociative identity disorder (DID) and as a way of raising awareness about mental health as a whole. Having personally suffered a lot of judgement inside and outside of the mental health system for my disorders, my chosen subject is with the aim to express my personal feelings of how I have been made to feel since ‘coming out’ as mentally unwell and being open about my journey to recovery and how it has been responded to by with a range of reactions from a variety of people: strangers, mental health professionals, old friends, family, ex-partners, the list goes on… (and not always in a good way). My motivation stems from my disappointment in how society and the media have painted the mentally unwell and how that affects our treatment, services available to us and all in all, our rights as equal human beings.

How Do You See Me? – By Jade Bryant

  What are your present and future goals for your art?

My present goals stand as they always stand, to continue to raise awareness of mental health issues and to highlight how art can be not only a brilliant self therapy method, but how it can also create change and build an understanding of important issues that need to be heard and seen. It has the ability to bring people together and I would love to eventually set up ASLI based workshops in my home area of Devon, as a member of the team, I think running arts and crafts workshops with the idea of mental health awareness at the centre of it, can help a range of people (especially with lengthy waiting times for therapy and entering the system and the amount of cuts we are seeing to services in the area) I also want to start the idea of regular mental health ‘drops’ – anonymous, free, little self help guides, art prints, and crisis team details and other information in a little package that can be dropped around different locations that may be useful to people.

Have you experienced any form of discrimination; and if so what was it based on and how did you deal with this?

Being young, and being female, I can’t say I haven’t experienced any form of discrimination – as that would be untrue. Ever since I was young I have felt the pressure of having to live up to an unrealistic stereotype of what a ‘girl/ ‘woman’ should be. I have been on the receiving end of shocking conversations with some males that believe they are entitled to my body, just because. From what I can remember most about feeling discriminated against in terms of my sex, most of my mind wanders back to when I have been in working roles. At the age of 12/13 I was a waitress, where I was regularly greeted by derogatory comments from customers, my own boss often told me I was only good as a ‘pretty face’. When working as a street charity fundraiser, I was part of a team that would be situated in different locations each day. My team was 5 females (including myself) and one team leader who was male. All of my team, briefed me on the ‘tricks of the trade’ – one of which being – because I was young and female, I should dress somewhat ‘attractively’ and in their own words – from the women mostly, they told me ‘short skirts and shorts, low cut tops, your best bet for sign ups is to target young, single looking, single parent possible, males’ – I didn’t stick to this advice, to me, I was working for a charity, why would I need to pander to the discriminatory stigma of my gender in order to make them money? Surely, the charity would speak for itself; this is again where I faced more discrimination, doing the role required constantly trying to stop people going about their day – which often lead to a lot of rude comments, abuse and rejection. I found a lot of people would rather judge my quality of life via the role I was doing, rather than the cause I was doing it for. Eventually, I was told to leave the job for not meeting my targets, which I found odd considering I had met them consistently, each day. I eventually found that my team was over it’s limit, and they had hired someone who already had a previous relationship with one of the team members who had been working with said team for over a year. I felt that it was for the best that I didn’t pursue the job, the pressure was unreal and the cause always seemed shielded by a capitalistic ideology.

What are your opinions on what causes discrimination?

I think a multitude of factors contribute to what causes discrimination, lack of education, misinformation, media propaganda, etc. School education could be a huge area for improvement, I don’t remember us being properly taught about anything to do with discrimination in a modern context. It almost felt as though we were still taught under the guise of ‘if a boy pulls your hair and hurts you, its a sign that he likes you!’ – let alone talking broadly on the subject of race at all, it always felt as though we were being taught in a way that already made us segregated from the people and situations we were learning about. I remember education in regard to this matter being abrupt, short and very absolute, in a black and white manner of thinking – as if there were no grey areas. But of course, there are always grey areas.

The media does no real effort to help lessen discrimination, if anything it would be more aptly suited to say that it effectively contributes to more discrimination than it does hinder any. I say this because daily we see news stories clearly showing the discrimination towards genders, ethnicity, races, cultures and many more. We see young, white males, clearly guilty of sexual abuse crimes walk free after a reduced sentence – yet some black people are losing their lives for driving home from work…

What do you do to actively stand against discrimination and have you ever had to intervene as a witness to it?

I do my best to always stand up for whomever may need it, may that be a stranger on the street, or someone I have known for years. Aside from using my art and writing as means of actively standing against discrimination; I have been witness to quite a few examples of discrimination in my life, there have been times where I have intervened, there have been times where I have not. But all have had reason. I have stood up for my female friends in situations where males have called them out in a derogatory tone, or tried to be to hands on when they have made clear indication of not wanting their personal space invaded. As a team member to the ASLI team, mostly dealing in the area of mental health awareness and advocacy, I would say that part of my stand against discrimination is by use of participating in issues like this one, as well as using my own artwork to try to further understanding of social issues.

What are your opinions on labels and stereotypes?

I have always felt that stereotypes are damaging to our overall humanity. They very rarely regulate positive connotations, and mostly always create a dramatised, fictitious idea of who people are. I live in quite a rural area of Devon, where impressions of any ethnicities other than our own are quite negative. Despite the fact cultural diversity isn’t particularly booming here. The media has always played a role, I believe, in segregating people via how they look, act or what they believe in. When we label people, or stereotype anyone – we are setting ourselves apart from our fellow human beings. It creates a scapegoat for the media to mislead and misinform us – shifting blame onto innocent people. Anything that further drives a wedge between us and our fellow human beings, usually at the cost of lives and people’s well being, is not something I believe to be useful or good for humanity. Having been regularly ‘stereotyped’ in school and growing up, I have felt only a small manner of what that sort of segregation feels like; and it’s usually painful, disappointing, and tiring and isolating. Always with the common jokes, and typical insults that would ensue from a base ‘stereotype’ of a certain type of person, usually always an outside opinion formed solely on what a person looks like.

What are your opinions on national identity and in your opinion does nationalism create or deter discrimination?

In and ideal world, I would ideally love to be able to just say ‘I am a citizen of the world’. I don’t believe we need to have ‘borders’ – people should be allowed free movement, I don’t believe that the very few who made those rules that stopped that motion, should be able to speak for the millions who also share this planet. I do believe that nationalism adds to discrimination and often fuels it, but I wouldn’t say that it is the root cause/creator. There is nothing wrong with having pride in ones country, or where one is from, I just choose to celebrate that as a human being that lives on planet earth, not Jade Bryant, English citizen of the United Kingdom. It becomes an issue, when that pride eventually rolls down the generations and misleads them into a huge sense of entitlement, that entitlement – with a little help from the media adding to racial stereotyping and scape goating of whole religions, creates a pool of people who have been misinformed about their own history, and their place in it. Quite simply, Stanhope said it best:

““Nationalism does nothing but teach you to hate people you never met, and to take pride in accomplishments you had no part in.”

― Doug Stanhope”

What social privileges do you have? For example: are you white, able bodied/minded, a man, rich, heterosexual, thin… etc.

In many ways according to the question, I am very privileged, I’m young, thin, and white. I can’t say I’m able bodied/minded because I do have a range of health and mental health issues. I do not come from wealth at all, and am nowhere near what could be considered rich. I see myself as privileged in mostly small ways, I have close friends who are incapable of doing things I may sometimes find no problem, so I often remind myself of this – and with that it makes me appreciate the things I can manage, because even though they may seem as small to some, like just going out to the shops or speaking to someone in the street, those things are things that some people would give anything to be able to do without a second thought. I’ll admit, for myself, because of my DID – it can often be a mixed bag of whether I can even achieve those seemingly small every day tasks. Some days I’ll even surprise myself with what I have accomplished (sometimes because someone has had to remind me I actually did do them!) And other days, it will be very obvious that I just can’t seem to get my body to move, or find the motivation to even speak out loud.

How does social privilege affect our world in your opinion?

In multiple ways; there are so many types of privilege that affect our world that it is difficult to narrow it into one answer. Privilege; in any meaning of the word – continues to affect our world through the continued segregation and misunderstanding towards certain people. It hinders our progress as a collective humanity by creating insignificant differences amongst us. I feel it all comes down to the same root issue really, keeping people in a state of opposal to a certain ideology, group of people, politics, etc, etc. Privileged groups usually hold power, that power usually enables them to form laws, rules and other regulations, but it also creates a hierarchy, the group in power privilege from the under classes work, i.e. capitalism. Thus said, the people at the top of the ladder hone the most benefits, but usually at the cost of some sort of morality. Privilege is a phenomena that cannot work under the guise of equality, it needs inequality in order to perpetuate itself and continue to succeed.

Have you ever denied your own privilege due to feelings of guilt or misunderstanding?

I have denied my own privilege, countless times, but not from feelings of guilt or misunderstanding – but because in each moment I have done this, I have chosen to. I have chosen to deny my own privilege, for the sake of someone who may not have that same one, simply because I feel it human of me to do so. In the simplest of terms, to me, even being able to eat a meal is a privilege – there have been times in my youth, where I was close with a person who didn’t have that much of a benefit, so often times when she and I were hanging out together listening to music in my room, and mum called my name for tea (she would often deny her own privilege too in the same way) – I’d often ask my friend if she would like it instead, not because I felt guilty for her – but because I could relate to her in some ways – I’d seen brief instances of her home life, I could empathise. I knew I had my mum in my secret corner most of the time – my friend didn’t have that safety net in her house, and while I knew I couldn’t go in and give her parents a lesson in parenting, I decided the least I could do was help her in the small ways I could. I never took pity on her, she was my equal, and my friend. I’ll admit on the other hand there may have been times where I have denied my own privilege out of assumed guilt, but having two personality disorders often plays a role in the reason for that guilt. Often times, I haven’t felt ‘worthy’ of anything, so you deny yourself even your own privilege out of spite of not feeling as though you deserve it. This isn’t a self deprecatory act more so than it is an act of numbness.

Do you feel social privilege should be taught at school and if so why and how young?

That is an interesting question, but given some thought, yes, I do think it should be taught in schools, along with more information about mental health. These things make up our society, and inevitably affect it. I was the butt of many socially privileged ‘jokes’ back in school, even in primary. So I believe, it should at least be taught as early as primary school (possibly pre school) in some cases, but in an informative manner. What I really believe, is that parents should be functional in teaching their children these essential life skills too, as caregivers, children often lead by the example their parents are setting, watch how they interact and copy it, and so on – teaching parents how to teach their children, should also be a priority. It is quite sad that we even have to ask should this be taught, it is sad that privilege does what it does. It speaks for a changing world when someone has more, and they instead of sharing or bettering the world around them, decide to barter more of it away at the risk of their human counterparts. 10. Have you ever experienced social stigmatisation and if so what was it based on and how did you deal with this?

Many times. Mostly while I have been under my local mental health team. I have had to attend countless meetings with the head of my local team and other officials because of my assumed ‘behaviours’ when communicating with some of the staff. I was recently sent to a final warning meeting about my behaviour based on one interaction with a receptionist. Who I was told, took my behaviour ‘personally’ when I was in a moment of clear crisis, and it also came to light that the team had proceeded with this meeting without any evidence of what I was supposed to have done that violent or threatening. Suggesting they can take the word of a non medically trained member of staff, working in a first point of contact for people suffering with issues in their mental health role, over the word of the person navigating the system. All this says to me is that there is a clear imbalance of equality. This latest meeting threatened to cut off all of my mental health care, therapy, medication, and more – somehow I don’t feel that power imbalance to be particularly just. Especially when I have tried to raise my hand and complain about their treatment since day one, yet I seem to be the one still getting threatening letters with police action. I must reiterate, I have never once threatened a member of staff or been violent towards anyone in the profession. I lose my patience sometimes, like most people do, and most people would, trying to navigate these systems and their rules. Because not only that, but I am going through consistent what could be a ‘classic example’ of social stigma, still within the realms of the mental health system. I stand at a mere 5”4 (ish) and weigh a humble 7 stone. I’m aware my BMI states ‘underweight’. The reason I lost so much weight was for multiple reasons – but – I am not unwell. So – when I had to send off my assessment to the DWP and had to have supporting evidence, I asked my mental health team for any copies of documents they had of mine. I was sent quite a few I’d seen before, and interestingly, one I hadn’t been sent – but should have been. When I read the assessment write up letter that had been wrote, in the space that had the header ‘Diagnosis:’ he had written, “Anorexia nervosa” Something never touched upon in any former assessment or GP appointment, or in the specific assessment that he was writing of– because I am not anorexic. Ever since this, every person dealing with my mental health care has been pushing this idea. I’m constantly asked about my weight, what I eat, If I don’t eat to punish myself, and every single time I say the same thing: ‘I’m not anorexic, I have been this weight for over a year and continue to eat as much as I feel I want to – believe me, if there’s food around that I like, it won’t be there for long” and not once have the mental health team weighed me, so to make that huge assumption is just amazing really. Instead of engaging on what I actually went into the system for, they would rather push diagnosis’ on me that I have never had, or don’t have. Given that I have never spoken to them about any real issues with my weight, they have never weighed me, or spoken to me about this ‘hunch’ they have had prior to any of this, not one thing to suggest it should be something they would look into – the only conclusion I’m led back to is that when some people look at me, all they see is my size, and this, this is a form of social stigma. Landing people into categories of severe mental and physical illness based on something as simple as looking at me, yet never even asking me a thing. Furthering that this is their own perception of ‘beauty/healthy/whatever’ gone askew, they have taken their personal opinion on how I look, and tried turning it into something ‘diagnosable’. I am still dealing with this type of stigmatisation from my mental health team, who just won’t seem to drop the subject no matter how much I press it.

What are your opinions on political powers and world leaders using stigmatisation against certain groups to further their own agendas, such as with Muslims, Black people, LGBTQ individuals, mentally ill and disabled people?

I don’t believe it to be completely misjudged to believe that our government uses clear propaganda to influence our opinions on certain groups of people, in order to keep their agendas satisfied and the public on their side. They often portray the mentally ill to be ‘dangerous and violent’ and there are countless news articles that are worded to just that affect, often with very little mention as to who the person actually is. They also misuse words in order to create a strong picture in the public’s mind of disharmony and inequality, such as: the rhetoric currently being debated that Donald Trump is unfit to rule as President because he has ‘mental health issues’ – no, they know every word they write has the power to be influential, and the people in power of running these articles, and writing them, are ruled by that very same agenda, they drop in a couple of words and a huge chunk of society reads no further, because they take what they see as truth (call it an ignorance in convenience) – thereby; creating a clear discord between society, and people who may be mentally unwell – which is what my current painting for this submission aims to reflect. That the mentally unwell are often and always portrayed in society as ‘monsters’ ‘something to fear’ ‘beware of’ etc. The symbolism of the spider, I took brief audience interaction from – I basically wrote up a poll asking what people feared the most out of three or four of the most commonly feared and dangerous animals on the planet. Quite obviously, arachnids won. With that information – I decided to use it for symbolism. The spider, wearing a skull as a body, represents the stretched truth of how we, the mentally unwell, are made out to look, the skull adding to the dramatised sensationalism that is also made from us. An example of this is often found in TV and Film, using mental illnesses as characteristic horror-thriller traits, often highly misunderstood and lacking in grounded reality, one of the most current examples of this type of thing would be M. Night Shyamalan’s recent horror-thriller’Split’ – a film about a person with DID who kidnaps some young women, but also has an alter who apparently can alter his body chemistry to such a point where he can climb walls like Spiderman. But, Overall, my opinion on political powers using any group of people to further their own means and ends, is just plain evil. It isn’t done to help raise a healthy and truthful awareness of any of these groups, if anything it is almost always aimed at creating more divides, that you can usually trace back to a political agenda.

Do you support or take part in any anti-stigma organisations or charities and if so which ones and why?

I support a range of charities that aid in anti-stigma movements. Art Saves Lives being the main one! But I also support the charities: Mind, PDAN, Rethink, Project Semicolon. I also regularly participate in the Time To Talk events as best as I can. I have been a supporter of the UAF movement for some time now. I also support the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. As well as these things I support the use of service dogs for people with mental illnesses – and feel this is something that we should better help research and fund. I support these causes and many others for simply the reason that I believe people should be treated equally, we all deserve the same rights as one another. Most of these organisations are set up or founded under suffering loss, or some kind of imbalance within society, or a lack of something that people who need it – cannot access. So all of these organisations are set up to strive to bring equality and understanding to everyone, and to be able to give people who are in need, the help they deserve, or to just simply educate people, give people a voice, so that they can be heard. These things are important for us as a society within the workings of the media, and our own government, we are flooded with biased information that misleads people’s opinions of their fellow man, under false pretences, and creates more of a divide between people, so these types of organisation serve to give the truth a platform, and with that, it brings people like myself and so many others – hope.

In your own words please tell us how you feel the arts and creativity can further help to empower, communicate and educate people with regards to discrimination, privilege and stigmatisation?

Art is a language that anyone can communicate in, it is always open to interpretation and I believe that those are imperative qualities that make the arts and creativity such brilliant methods of education and communication about such important issues that need more awareness and education. Art of any kind, be it music, painting, drawing, animation, photography, etc, they all allow us to see what the artist intends, as well as what we interpret, with that comes the ability to create in ways that do in fact, educate people. People can tell or hide as much as they want through creativity – but still allow themselves the freedom to have a voice about such subjects that they may be feeling, be that stigmatisation, discrimination or privilege.

Check out Jades other interviews for previous campaigns:

Artist Jade Bryant is fiercely tackling her mental illness with art and in the process is changing the world’s awareness of Borderline Personality Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Welcome Jade Bryant as ASLI’s Newest Team Member

Artist Jade Bryant Tackles Money and Elitism with her Visual Art

If you would like to find out more about Jade please follow these links:

Facebook Page

Website

Jade Bryant Art Shop

If you have any feedback on this article please fill out the contact form below:

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  ASLI Team Member Jade Creates a Piece of Art to Highlight the Stigmatisation of Mental Illness Visual artist Jade Bryant, 25 from Devon in the UK is part of the ASLI team as our Arts and Mental Health Campaigner & Feature Writer, every campaign we ask our team members and ambassadors if they would like to contribute to our publication.

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Returning Artist Shawna Ainslie Writes About Gender, Race and Religious Privilege

Returning Artist Shawna Ainslie Writes About Gender, Race and Religious Privilege

Shawna Ayoub Ainslie, 35, from Indiana in the USA is a returning ASLI artist who we adore and are very grateful to feature again with her amazing writing and voice which creates change for trauma survivors and marginalised people within the artistry of writing. Shawna has joined us for Issue 4 – Discrimination, Privilege and Stigmatisation to submit a creative non-fiction piece on gender, race…

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Returning ASLI Artist Dave Hubble writes a poem about the stigmatisation of the "Prevent Initiative"

Returning ASLI Artist Dave Hubble writes a poem about the stigmatisation of the “Prevent Initiative”

Dave Hubble

Returning ASLI Artist Dave Hubble, 47, from Southampton, UK has chosen to submit a poem for our ISSUE 4 Discrimination, Privilege and Stigmatisation and his chosen subject is that of the “Prevent Initiative” we asked Dave to explain his piece in his own words:

What motivated you to deal with your chosen submission subject?

I work in Higher Education and was asked to complete Prevent…

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Jennifer Abcug recounts her anxiety through poetry after waking to the news of Donald Trump's presidency

Jennifer Abcug recounts her anxiety through poetry after waking to the news of Donald Trump’s presidency

Jennifer Abcug, 45, New York, NY, USA. Whose chosen submission for Issue 4 of ASLI Magazines campaign “Discrimination, Privilege and Stigmatisation” is a poem describing the anxiety felt on November 9th, 2016 – after waking up to the news that Donald Trump had been elected as president of the USA.

Jennifer Abcug

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a mom, partner, daughter, bereaved…

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Sumayyah Talibah

Sumayyah Talibah, 37, from Michigan, in the USA – is a poet and jewellery artisan, who has chosen to write a poem for ASLI on discrimination in the USA. We are honoured to have Sumayyah’s voice in our 4th issue on discrimination, privilege and stigmatisation.

Here is our interview:

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a Black woman from Detroit, Michigan who is an artist, wife, and mother.

What is your artistic/creative background?

I started writing at a very young age, completing my first “book” by age 8. I switched to poetry for years. I am also completely self-taught in the art of bead and wire jewellery.

What motivated you to deal with your chosen submission subject?

The current political climate (in the United States), while not new, is appalling and “in your face” following the campaign and election of our current Head of State. The things I personally experience, and the documented experiences of others, makes me wary, afraid, and angry.

danger

hands up laid down car stalled traffic stop cigarette in my hand leather wallet in my pants piece of fabric on my hair danger danger everywhere can’t walk can’t jog can’t pray can’t play can’t get enough clean water to get me through the day i’m a thug bringing terror i’m a welfare queen i’m the living legacy of the wished to be forgotten memory of misdeeds school to prison pipeline major sentence lesser crime handcuffed locked in inner city sanctioning i’m a long term prisoner of your blasted lies ripping right on through your rotted broken dream disguise my blood is flowing in the streets don’t you care? danger danger everywhere

– Sumayyah Talibah © 2017 January 24

What is your process when creating?

I listen to a lot of music, but so often, my art springs up, fully formed, from a random thought or news article. Typically, I just turn on a music streaming site, pick a station/playlist, then pick up my pen, my [jewellery] tools, or open a blank document on my computer, and let it flow. Also, tea. Tea helps.

Who are you influenced by within your artistic discipline?

For poetry, my biggest influences came from poets like Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, and Maya Angelou.

Who inspires you in general?

My ancestors, and those on the front lines in the struggle today.

What causes and world issues are you passionate about, campaign for, volunteer for…?

I am all for the advancement of marginalised peoples. I don’t follow/campaign for any specific organisations.

What do the statements “art saves lives” and “art creates change” mean to you?

So much art is borne from struggle, from pain. I believe that art is both an outlet of inner turmoil and a medium of processing the world at large. Artists are the forerunners of revolutions because we put into emotions into words and pictures and connect people’s hearts.

Have your artistic and creative outlets saved your life in anyway and do you think your message within them could help create change in the world?

My art, specifically my poetry, has saved my life for sure. I was once asked “why do you write?” and my answer was/still is “to clear the noise in my head.” I can only hope that my words will reach the people who need them.

What are your present and future goals for your art?

Having a poem in an international publication is a start, lol. I hope to write more, to create more works of poetry, to return to writing speculative fiction, hopefully in the form of a completed novel, and to make jewellery that is high is demand.

Have you experienced any form of discrimination; and if so what was it based on and how did you deal with this?

I have experienced discrimination for being short, for being fat, for being Black, for being a (once) practising Muslim, for being disabled.. I internalise a lot, especially as an adult. When I was younger, sometimes I’d let my fists speak for me. As a teen/young woman, I wrote heavily.

What are your opinions on what causes discrimination?

Fear. Fear causes hate. People fear what they do not understand, and what it possibly says about them.

What do you do to actively stand against discrimination and have you ever had to intervene as a witness to it?

I serve as a witness and sometime mouthpiece. I offer resources for education. The biggest thing I do is teach my children how to not be a**holes.

What are your opinions on labels and stereotypes?

Stereotypes come from somewhere, but are often just propaganda. Labels are technically a necessity for identification, as they help folks find like-minded people. In an ideal world, none of it would matter.

What are your opinions on national identity and in your opinion does nationalism create or deter discrimination?

Nationalism forces conformity, in my opinion, because a large part of it ignores intersectionality. It causes internal conflict when opinions and lived experiences don’t match up.

What social privileges do you have? For example: are you white, able bodied/minded, a man, rich, heterosexual, thin… etc.

Hahahaha. Sorry. I’m pretty much the opposite of what most people would consider socially privileged. I’m a short, fat, Black, non-Christian, disabled woman. I have a few passing privileges, but I correct those pretty quickly.

What social privileges of others around you have you experienced and how did this privilege of others affect you?

I’ve watched people receive faster, better service, such as in shops and restaurants. I’ve been reprimanded while watching other people walk away without censure.

How does social privilege affect our world in your opinion?

Our world is largely based on money being the great equaliser, though that isn’t entirely true, because rich people of colour still lose out against their white counterparts.

Have you ever denied your own privilege due to feelings of guilt or misunderstanding?

I have little enough of it that when next to someone who is more marginalised than myself, I do feel guilty for having more. However, that gives me the chance to help someone else.

Do you feel social privilege should be taught at school and if so why and how young?

Social privilege is taught at school, no matter what anyone thinks. It may not be an official subject in the curriculum, but children DO learn it, and quickly. Do I think schools should combat the hierarchy and teach kids how not to be a**holes? Yeah, that’d be great, but it always starts at home.

Have you ever experienced social stigmatisation and if so what was it based on and how did you deal with this?

I was largely a loner in my more formative years so I don’t know. I’ve always had friends. I was never part of the “in” crowd, but I didn’t want to be, so…

Have you ever contributed to the stigmatisation of any individual or group, and if so were you aware you did this and how did you deal with this aftermath?

When we’re young, we do silly things to follow the crowd. I, for the most part, didn’t. I worked with everyone, I talked to everyone. I’ve been known to smile at the people everybody hated.

What are your opinions on political powers and world leaders using stigmatisation against certain groups to further their own agendas, such as with Muslims, Black people, LGBTQ individuals, mentally ill and disabled people?

If there was space for you to hear me rage scream, I’d do it. I think it’s ridiculous. Intersectionality is a thing. Using your examples, I personally know Black Muslims who are LGBTQ and disabled, so.. yeah. It’s ridiculous. Just stop. We’re not going away.

Do you support or take part in any anti-stigma organisations or charities and if so which ones and why?

I share lots of articles and fundraisers and have probably contributed to some. I honestly don’t keep track of the organisations I follow because there are so many. I’m not exactly a card-carrying member of anything these days, so maybe that’s a “no”?

In your own words please tell us how you feel the arts and creativity can further help to empower, communicate and educate people with regards to discrimination, privilege and stigmatisation?

Artists translate emotion into words, image, sound, movement. We tell stories. We make people feel things. We are the ones people turn to when they hurt, when they burn, when they rage. They read our poems, sing our songs, make banners and t-shirts of our photos and paintings. We connect people’s hearts.

If you would like to know more about Sumayyah and support her work or purchase some of her beautiful jewellery – please follow these links:

  Website  – sumayyahsaidso.com Instagram – instagram.com/sumayyahsaidso Facebook – facebook.com/sumayyahsaidso

To purchase Jewellery by Sumayyah Talibah please visit her shop by following this link:

Shop

Jewellery by Sumayyah Talibah

Jewellery by Sumayyah Talibah

Jewellery by Sumayyah Talibah

Jewellery by Sumayyah Talibah

Jewellery by Sumayyah Talibah

If you have any feedback on this article please fill in the contact form below:

[contact-form] Sumayyah Talibah uses poetry to stand against discrimination in today’s political climate Sumayyah Talibah, 37, from Michigan, in the USA - is a poet and jewellery artisan, who has chosen to write a poem for ASLI on discrimination in the USA.

[artsaveslivesinternational]

Ildiko Nova, 50, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is a returning ASLI visual artist who for Issue 4 of ASLI Magazine has chosen to explore discrimination in her art work. We couldn’t be happier to have Ildiko return for this issue, as her work is so important and very much part of creating change in a world struggling to be more inclusive and less divisive.

Artist Ildiko Nova

Artist Ildiko Nova

Colours -mixed media on paper, journal entry (28 x 21 cm) By Artist Ildiko Nova

Have you experienced any form of discrimination; and if so what was it based on and how did you deal with this?

The first form of discrimination is coming from my childhood. I was darker skinned than the rest of the class. (I am a Hungarian born Roma, adopted by white, Christian parents) I actually did not see myself different until I was excluded from all activities. I went home and applied a thick layer of white Nivea cream on my face and hoped that if I was not as brown maybe I can have friends too. I never really had close good friends. I was a bright kid and have good marks with a relatively easy effort, so it became the source of my satisfaction.

What are your opinions on what causes discrimination?

There are many sources of discrimination. One is – especially in homogeneous countries, (one language, one major religion etc.) – the cultural ignorance. Different history, culture is unheard so it is strange or “not normal”. The second is xenophobia, the fear of strangers that they are amongst us and presumably will hurt us. The third is horizontal oppression. The more people believe in their political leader the less they realise that we are in the same difficulties, struggles. It is always easier to blame everybody else for our hardship than fight the power all the way up.

What do you do to actively stand against discrimination and have you ever had to intervene as a witness to it?

It is hard to fight discrimination, I personally choose my friends wisely and they are open minded, fair people of all walks of lives, I enjoy learning from them and broadening my knowledge and horizon. I personally got involved in a few campaigns against using the word “gypsy”. It is a derogatory term for Roma, even though it is not widely known. I’ve signed a petition to the Vogue Magazine and contacted Ardene because of their cultural appropriation in the fashion industry. I’ve also participated in the Dangerous Women Project.

Wind – digital art – By Ildiko Nova

What are your opinions on labels and stereotypes?

Labelling and stereotypes are the result of poor communication. It originates from lack of knowledge. It is always easier – especially in the nasty culture of internet comments – to spread something hostile or ignorant than have the courage and ask questions.

What are your opinions on national identity and in your opinion does nationalism create or deter discrimination?

National identity can be easily manipulated and “nurtured” to nationalism, especially in homogenous countries (for example Eurocentrism). In a multicultural country, like Canada politicians can truly benefit from the fact that every group has a different agenda and needs therefore the national unity is divided.

What social privileges do you have? For example: are you white, able bodied/minded, a man, rich, heterosexual, thin… etc.

My own privilege is my Canadian citizenship which provides me comfortable travel (so far…) and that I live on Treaty One territory where I have the honour to learn as much from the Indigenous community as possible.

Roma girls – mixed media (acrylic paint and fabric on board) (55 x 60 cm) by Artist Ildiko Nova

What social privileges of others around you have you experienced and how did this privilege of others affect you?

The social privilege around me is social status based. As I don’t belong to certain groups (workplace, social casts), so I am not included in certain opportunities, such as jobs, projects or prospects to participate, or the true value of compensation of work.

How does social privilege affect our world in your opinion?

The most social privilege belongs to the mainstream. The more privilege this group has the less they think about it, it comes with attitudes where arrogance and exclusion is normalized. Lives of certain (non-privilege) groups do not matter, and is not considered as “their problem”. This includes victim blaming. The less privilege group has two ways 1. To resist and fight back 2. To assimilate. It is up to the person.

Have you ever denied your own privilege due to feelings of guilt or misunderstanding?

I found myself in an uncomfortable position; I’ve worked with newcomer Hungarian Roma refugees in Toronto. In spite of the best efforts, they were often so close to get deported. I felt conflicted to feel that I could have been one of them, yet I have the safety to stay in Canada. I talked about my personal status as little as possible. Luckily it also fit to being “professional” as working as a counsellor.

Do you feel social privilege should be taught at school and if so why and how young?

Children are naturally curious and open minded towards everybody. However, children should be reminded of their privileges so that they don’t grow up to become arrogant and entitled. These values should be taught from the first interaction with the community.

Village – acrylic on board (80 x 61 cm) by Artist Ildiko Nova

Have you ever experienced social stigmatisation and if so what was it based on and how did you deal with this?

I find that “newcomer” is a newcomer for life. People perplexed about my identity based on my non-English accent, which is irritating after living 25 years in Canada. Some frustrated Aboriginals do not find desirable to live with foreigners (aka settlers) either. Also, the social status stigma as I mentioned above.

Have you ever contributed to the stigmatisation of any individual or group, and if so were you aware you did this and how did you deal with this aftermath?

As a caretaker, I meet random people who can be future renters. There are certain experiences of all kind of groups and behaviours; however I am glad that I do not have to say the final word who can rent here.

What are your opinions on political powers and world leaders using stigmatisation against certain groups to further their own agendas, such as with Muslims, Black people, LGBTQ individuals, mentally ill and disabled people?

Absolutely! The political agenda is highly manipulated; politicians easily turn any group against each other, creating the “us versus them” scenario, based on social status, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation. This takes away people’s attention from other more important issues, such as policy making and budgeting.

Do you support or take part in any anti-stigma organisations or charities and if so which ones and why?

I volunteered a lot in several underprivileged groups to make community art. It is truly mutually rewarding to those people who always feel “less” and excluded. I actively follow the news of Roma cultural and political groups to stay well informed.

In your own words please tell us how you feel the arts and creativity can further help to empower, communicate and educate people with regards to discrimination, privilege and stigmatisation?

Artists are naturally sensitive and responsive to our surroundings. Frustration is an excellent fuel to create art. In my opinion it also speaks easier to people. I am surprised how much studies are written about all related topics but the true “thirst of knowledge” does not exist. I imagined that the internet is going to bring entire libraries in our homes; instead it is full of angry, hostile non-factual based bullying. A well-made art piece just captures attention and can change our mood (often to better).

Here are the other articles in which Artist Ildiko Nova has been featured in for ASLI Magazine:

Romani Artist: Ildiko Nova uses visual art to discuss under-represented communities

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ASLI Artist Ildiko Nova speaks to us about her thoughts on mental illness and art, saying “My art is my sanctuary where I don’t have to fulfill any social norms or expectations from society.”

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ASLI Artist Ildiko Nova creates a piece of visual art to bring awareness of senseless industrialization and the impact it has on our planet

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If you would like to know more about Artist Ildiko Nova please follow these links:

Website 

Twitter 

Facebook Page

If you have and feedback on this article please fill out the contact form below:

[contact-form]

  ASLI returning artist Ildiko Nova explores the discrimination she has faced – through her visual art Ildiko Nova, 50, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is a returning ASLI visual artist who for Issue 4 of ASLI Magazine has chosen to explore discrimination in her art work.

[artsaveslivesinternational]

Artist Sherry Dooley

Artist Sherry Dooley

Sherry Dooley, 50, is from Portland, Oregon in the USA. Sherry is a visual artist and had this to say about her chosen submission subject and why she was motivated to address cultural and racial stigma:

I’m submitting a new series I’m doing regarding “the Wall” Donald Trump keeps insisting he will build, in hopes to keep us “safe” from Mexicans.  I don’t agree with it, I find it offensive to our neighbours, and racially motivated.  Racial profiling at it’s finest.  After his degrading comments regarding the Mexican people being criminals and rapists – his wall will only hold the US citizens hostage, while making our friends our enemies.

I’m a full time professional artist.  After attending the Women’s March On Washington, I become inspired to not only paint “pretty” paintings – but to make a statement.

My theme is Cultural Stigma/Racism.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a woman. I’m a fifty-year-old artist and wanderer, with scars. Born and raised in Oregon, I tend to lean far left, if I must use a label. Recently moved back to Portland Oregon after five years in New Orleans.

What is your artistic/creative background?

As a child, my mother put me in various after-school creative functions. I’ve always loved to draw, but never mastered it, and it doesn’t really matter. I consider myself “self-taught” – with no fancy, over priced art degrees. I started painting in 1998. Found wood, and old house paint, anything I could find, I would use. I’ve continued to paint ever since. Ninety percent of the time my art has allowed me to be self-employed.

What motivated you to deal with your chosen submission subject?

I chose Cultural Stigma/Racism because it seems to be a topic/situation that can be erased, with just the right amount of effort. Preconceived notions about a certain population, I believe, stems for just not knowing, and maybe a refusal to know. But once you learn something, once you’re forced to see someone, something in a new light, you cannot un-see it. Un-know it. We all have to start somewhere. I did. Why can’t others?

  Modern Frida: It’s Your Wall. I’m Free, Are You? 16x20x1.5 Acrylic/Mixed Media Cradled wood panel. by Sherry Dooley

Modern Frida: Misguided Finger Pointing 16 x 20 – Acrylic/Mixed Media on cradled panel wood. by Sherry Dooley

What is your process when creating?

The process, where does the process truly begin? Usually an incident, a situation, which has stirred up my thoughts, and has bled into my emotions, then the process, has begun. Sometimes without me even realising it. The process has begun. Never just a thought…emotion is the fuel of the fire I need to create.

Who are you influenced by within your artistic discipline?

I believe the question should be…”Who and What am I influenced by…” When I first began a very primitive style of painting women, friends influenced me. Body shapes and hairstyles, pretty scenes, Goddesses and nature. It evolved from there. As cliché as it is, once I was introduced to Frida Kahlo’s work and life story, I drew inspiration from everything Frida. Not just her self-portraits, in fact very little of her creative ability moved me, it was more about her life and situations that would inspire a piece of me to be brave. Brave in the sense of being vulnerable and puking my sorrows onto the canvas or wood for the world to see. I’ve evolved over the last 19 years, and no longer sob into a piece of art. I can see passed myself and create a bigger image, which isn’t just my little world, but something others can relate to.

Who inspires you in general?

Injustice and women.

What causes and world issues are you passionate about, campaign for, volunteer for…?

There are so many – but if I were to be passionate about each and every cause, I wouldn’t be able to get up in the morning. I don’t know why, but homelessness hits me hard. Not so much creatively, but more in an “Action Required” stance. So I feed the homeless when I can. I rally others to do the same. I’m moved and feel obligated to create pieces that are slick with emotion for women who have been sexually trafficked. I’ve been there…and I paint what I know and feel. My most recent cause is immigration. Just in the last couple of years, the word “illegal” has replaced human being. Dehumanising at the very least. Now we have a war against those that have less. Those that are searching for a better life. Those that do American’s dirty work and are vilified for it. Those that might have an accent. Those that might not be white enough. I’m getting all jazzed up as write this…it just pisses me off that in 2017, I’m having to experience and see first hand an earlier and uglier time in our country, today. RIGHT NOW? So, in honour of those that are being targeted and shit on by those that believe it’s okay to do so, I’m painting those women. I’m painting black women. Arab women. Asian women. Light-skinned women. All Women. All American women. Sorry, but American women are not all blondes with blue eyes. That is not the norm – and will never be.

What do the statements “art saves lives” and “art creates change” mean to you?

I read both statements at face value. Period.

Have your artistic and creative outlets saved your life in anyway and do you think your message within them could help create change in the world?

Yes. Art saved my life. Once I was able to escape the life of commercial sex trafficking and a nasty meth habit, I needed something, anything, to feel good. Painting felt right, it felt good. Stimulating that old brain chemistry with a new vice, art. When I sold my first piece, it was validating a wounded child, whom felt worthless. Yes, art saves lives…and can rebuild lives. Will my art ever make a change in the world? I think it has – as more people get to know me and what I create, they also get to know my past life. With that said, the stigma of a prostituted woman slowly shifts from what they had believed. It changes from judgement and idea of choice, to one of compassion and understanding. In my eyes that’s huge. Seeing “throw-away” women in a new light, shedding judgement, and opening the heart. Yep, that’s huge.

What are your present and future goals for your art?

I want to continue down my new path of making a statement for women and those that are oppressed in America. Stand up against division, and stand taller than any fucked up wall. Build it. It won’t stop people from connecting and loving/embracing each other.

Sherry Dooley Nostalgic Folk Artist

Sherry Dooley Nostalgic Folk Artist

Sherry Dooley Nostalgic Folk Artist

Sherry Dooley Nostalgic Folk Artist

If you would like to know more about Sherry Dooley and her work please follow these links:

Website

Facebook Page

Twitter

If you have any feedback on this article please fill out the contact form below:

[contact-form] Visual artist Sherry Dooley addresses racism and cultural stigma in the USA Sherry Dooley, 50, is from Portland, Oregon in the USA. Sherry is a visual artist and had this to say about her chosen submission subject and why she was motivated to address cultural and racial stigma:

[artsaveslivesinternational]

Alan Malzard

Alan Malzard is a visual artist living in Hertfordshire, England. Born and raised in Australia, Alan came to the U.K. for a fresh start. Alan’s submission subject is class privilege and he illustrates this with his piece titled “Shit Street”:

Shit street by Alan Malzard

What motivated you to deal with your chosen submission subject?

The motivation for ” Shit Street ” was the introduction of the Bedroom Tax, another nail in the coffin of social housing and a particularly vile policy.

What is your process when creating?

There is no process I strictly follow, generally before I start I have a pretty good idea of what the finished work will look like.

What do the statements “art saves lives” and “art creates change” mean to you?

Art saves lives, i have seen the impact that art and creating art has on people, positive, empowering and healing, it should be the most important subject in school.

What are your present and future goals for your art?

 I change my mind about art and the art establishment on a regular basis, at the moment it is all about the doing rather than spending time trying to promote it.

What are your opinions on what causes discrimination?

Discrimination is caused by a closed mind, education is the key to opening those minds, more care must be taken with our children, to educate and nurture.

What social privileges do you have?

Social privileges I have : I am white, able bodied, able minded, a man, heterosexual and thin so I avoid many of the labels and stereotypes people often like to place on other people, I have these privileges because of an accident of birth.

Here are more examples of Alan’s art:

If you would like to know more about Alan why not follow this link and support his Facebook page : Alan Malzard- Inktricart.

If you have any feedback please fill in this contact form:

[contact-form] ASLI Artist Alan Malzard creates an art piece on class privilege and the bedroom tax Alan Malzard is a visual artist living in Hertfordshire, England. Born and raised in Australia, Alan came to the U.K.