Artists Working with Identity

Cindy Sherman

         A photographer and film maker who shoots herself dressed in costumes to represent different women in society and the stereotypes that the media places on women. She says she is not a feminist artist but simply pointing out how society generalized and sees women in a certain view.

What types of things are people saying when they appear a certain way?
How can this dictate anything about an individual?
Why do people view women in different ways based on their dress?
Does this objectify or change views on these women in any way?
What types of things are shown through stereotypes and in women especially?

What types of association or judgements do people pair with certain women and their appearance?
What do these appearances actually say about the women personally?
How can these photographs shift a viewer's thinking upon learning that the figure is the same person in the other works?

This American Life: Middle School

The “This American Life” episode about Middle School was an interesting look into adolescents and what they see as important. Looking into the school dance was extremely interesting to reflect and compare it to my own experiences. I remember us trying to pretend like the chaperone teachers were not actually there. We were probably way to scandalous for being in middle school but I think that’s when you’re exploring yourselves and others. This is important in order for you to understand who you are and who you want to become. It was frustrating to listen to Leo’s story who had just moved to a new town and hated his life in the new setting. I was excited to hear that he had a good time with a new friend but then he said nothing really had changed. I’ve realized how frustrating everything was in middle school. Everyone is so judgmental and guarded and since they don’t want to be judged, they judge others to protect themselves. It’s true that everyone is mostly influenced by their peers. I think that this is a time that is inevitable and needs to happen in order to develop personal morals and opinions on things in life that actually matter. It can be a traumatic and defining time in your life and is absolutely necessary for social and mental development.