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Dear Katie, Aaliyah, Heidi, and Dina,

I was really fascinated watching this film because of the variety of different aspects that were incorporated into it.  The first thing that stuck out to me was the ability to represent what Los Angeles is truly made of.  Often times in media, there is an attempt to create an arena that is “profoundly mythic” according to Stuart Hall in “Black in Popular Culture”.  I believe that people fail to understand the racial problems that Los Angeles has, but also the wonderful diversity it offers.  It is often shown as a perfect land of Hollywood where people live in big houses and drive fast cars.  There are no problems and the entire city resembles Beverly Hills.  This is not the case and it is well depicted, when showing multiple areas of Los Angeles, but also when discussing the different racial issues that people of color face.

However, people like Mr. Marcial have shown that there is a possibility to solve the oppression that many people of color face.  I really enjoyed how he was able to list the multiple amount of groups that he has pleasantly interacted with such as, Italians, Guatemalans, and Blacks.  In my class, Jackson talks about how it will be a collective effort to solve the problems that the oppressed face in “Black Body Politics”.  As a result, I am inspired that there are people in Los Angeles who are from different background yet have the ability to collaborate together to fight the problem of oppression.

Another idea that stuck out to me was when Priscilla talked about how she hopes that more people of color will have the ability to be recognized for their innovations and thinking futuristically.  This is another recent topic that I have discussed in my classes Cyber Cyphers.  Missy Elliott is a pivotal figure when talking about Afrofuturism, and she inspired many people of color to be creative when thinking about their future (What Missy Elliott did for Afrofuturism).  She helped underrepresented Black girls feel “unapologetic about [their] body and [their] blackness” (What Missy Elliott did for Afrofuturism).  Hopefully, we will see new innovations from and recognition for people of color, as it will inspire the next generations to come.   I also hope that there will be more recognition for people of color, as many people still fail to see the influence that Missy Elliott had on society.  I am an Asian-American person and I want you to all know that there is no shame in being a person of color.

Sincerely,

Sheldon Wong (From Professor G’s Class)

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Outstanding work. Not only was the film enjoyable to watch but it was also very enlightening. It’s a very strong and accurate depiction of how racial perceptions and experiences affect people’s lives. Nonetheless, these people overcame these prejudices and prevailed in an environment that originally cared very little about their success. This was truly uplifting to see. Not to mention, these people found comfort within communities that represented themselves. This just goes to show that you should always stay true to yourself no matter what and that you should never change for others. Somewhere out there are bound to be others like yourself who are more than willing to accept you for you. Of course, it won’t always be easy to do so. Especially if the environment is a multiculturalist one, like Los Angeles. However, it’s important that we never give up and that we never lose sight of who we are and what it is that we’re trying to achieve. If our ancestors did it, then so can we. Once again, phenomenal job!
- From Professor G’s class

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The immense cultural wealth that is found in Los Angeles is what makes it such a unique city. It’s the people not the structures, or highways, or even the beaches that make LA one of a kind. You’ve brilliantly captured this, but more importantly, you’ve given a voice to those who’ve made this city so special. After watching your film I was left with a sense of optimism. I do believe that if we give more recognition to those who bring culture and different perspectives into the community, along with a greater sense of empathy, we can gain a shared sense of respect and understanding. You made a great point about how in our future, we need to make sure we are giving the proper acknowledgement and “credit” to those who help to innovate but are often times overlooked. As to the question of “who’s going to be inventing these things?”, I agree that we should expect more recognization for people of color, and I hope that the community that is innovating and inventing is just as diverse, and properly reflects this country.

Thank you for your wonderful film, I really enjoyed it.

Jackson G. (Prof G.s Class)

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Great film! I love that you all interviewed people from several different generations to give different perspectives of their experiences living in the US. I think it’s definitely unfair that people of color constantly have to deal with the issue of pride vs prejudice and how those two are often competing with each other. Since we live in a society where white people hold the power, people of color are usually the ones who have to deal with prejudice, even though no one deserves to be prejudiced against simply for their outward appearance. It is really sad to see that society overall looks down upon immigrants just because they are not white. If more people understood the struggles that so many immigrants experience, I think they would be a lot more sympathetic and not be so quick to judge. Everyone wants what is best for them and their loved ones, so it is tragic to see that many people leave their homes and travel to the US in search of a better life just to be treated poorly. I loved the empowering words declaring that “I will stand proud for who I am and never feel ashamed for being a person of color.” I think having that self-pride will definitely weaken any prejudices people try to impose against you. In class we read The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison in which one character, Pecola, at just 11 years old wishes she was white and had blue eyes, thinking that she was ugly and hated because she was not white. I also hope that in the future people will be more accepting and there will be less hate in the world so that no one has to question their self-worth just because they are not white. Thank you for this film and the conversations it encourages!

-Eric Wang (Professor G sent me!)

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I love how you incorporated stories from immigrants of color. This helps people remember that immigrants are just human beings looking for a better life for themselves as well as their families. Too often in conservative media (cough cough Fox "News"), they try to dehumanize immigrants by calling them "illegal aliens" (among other things), which I find to be absolutely ridiculous and frankly, racist. Conservative media is really, in my humble opinion, a reflection of the racism that still underlies American society, and I commend you for making a film that helps break those racist sentiments.

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This film is so moving and really struck a chord within me. I can clearly see all of the hard work and thought that went into the production of this film. What I love most about “Pride & Prejudice: South LA” is the visuals that played as people were telling their stories. These visuals really furthered the impact of each individual story and allowed me to really imagine each scenario being described. This film not only outlines the hardships immigrants face moving to America but also highlights the importance of immigrants in Los Angeles. Los Angeles has truly become a melting pot of all different backgrounds and ethnicities.  Each of these stories details immigrant struggles such as learning a new language, new location, new food, and overall feeling different and unaccepted by others. “Pride & Prejudice” really touched upon one of the biggest immigrant struggles which are feeling the need to assimilate to fit in but also wanting to stay in touch with your roots and culture. This is a concept we talk about a lot in Professor G’s class and in a book called Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. My favorite quote from the book has personally stuck with me and helped me feel better about my middle eastern roots, "Assimilationist ideas are racist ideas because they are based on the assumption that there is something wrong with another racial group that needs changing or something right with our racial group that doesn’t need changing." Kendi’s message here is one that I believe we all can benefit from as it largely relates to this film. Largely what makes South LA the melting pot that it is, is due to the fact that cultures are embraced there, and people can share their customs and traditions with each other. Please remember that there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of for being an immigrant or the family of an immigrant. I too hope for a more culturally accepting future for people of color.

-Gabriella (from Professor G’s class)

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This was so well done and you can really see the effort, creativity, and thought that went into creating this. What I really loved about this video was the discussion of the fear of being isolated in society when moving to America, and instead finding a community and a space with other people of color. Because as negative as America can be to people of color, there are still places for us to exist as we are. There is so much negativity and hate in the world due to prejudice, but that doesn't erase the importance and positivity of celebrating everyone's individual culture and stories. The imagery in the video used with the voice over skillfully portrayed the experience of someone moving to America for the first time, and the process of finding a community that makes you feel like you belong. I really loved this film, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to watch it! I'm from Professor G's class. - Jennah Saqib

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This film does a great job with describing how people of different backgrounds and skin color feel in the US while also emphasizing how we must be proud of who we are and in doing so spread love and acceptance to those around us all in such a short film. I love the interview styled speaking as well as the imagery throughout the film. The "gaze" that we receive from others in society should not be our limitations, but rather something that we push past and instead stand tall and proud of who we truly are and represent. This gave me another reason to be proud of who I am and where my family is from so I thank you for that. Well done!        ~Benjy from Professor G's class

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I really loved this film and how it really showed how LA has so many different people and all of those people have different experiences in life. I really loved the descriptions of LA and how the narrator perceived it. I also really like the confidence and acceptance these people have of themselves and how they are working towards normalizing it and LA is the perfect place to do this because of the incredible diversity. I am so happy Professor Grimes sent us to watch these films, I have learned so much, and I have truly enjoyed watching them!

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Great production! I love the imagery that was incorporated into the dialogue of this film! I closed my eyes and could clearly imagine everything that was being said and it created a state of serenity that I really enjoyed. Furthermore, I found it very clever to incorporate the interview style of conversation where the adults described their journey in America and how they had overcome any obstacle they might’ve thought was extremely difficult at first. It comes to show how tough our previous generations were, as they migrated to the United States at young ages, barely knowing how the system worked in the United States. But, they found their way, involving themselves in the culture of Los Angeles that made them feel like they were back at home in some instances, through food, culture, friends, and acquaintances. As long as new things are being invented and incorporated into society through generations, people of color will forever be the backbone of our community. They encountered the greatest hardship and have put in the greatest amount of work to help the community thrive. This film definitely made me feel proud and thankful for everyone who had made sacrifices to create a community for us where we can achieve greatness! Thank you for this beautiful work of art!

-Hayan Khan (Student From Professor Grimes’s class)

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This film has opened my eyes to the cultural diversity that shapes the global city LA! We are so lucky to be living amongst people of differing backgrounds, cultural traditions, languages and different forms of spirituality. Every single member is already enriching the community with new ideas, beliefs, scents, flavors, and sounds of any kind. Now if we imagine a place where every single member is entirely  empowered and encouraged to live fully and embrace their authentic self, we get to see the potential that lies within the LA community and how it could (and should) be like in the future. There should no longer be doubt in the own light or the urge to assimilate to another form of being. We have to create more space for everybody and anybody - no matter their skin color, heritage, or background - to shine with their own light and pride, instead of being limited by prejudice and "the gaze of the other."

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I really loved this film! It truly is a film of hope and inspiration. That although individuals, especially immigrants, face hardship and prejudice due to the color of their skin or other external factors, they prevail in the face of all odds and still remain proud of their story and heritage. It shows that multiculturalism is an asset and makes a metropolitan city like Los Angeles extremely special and unique. I also really loved that you brought in individuals of different generations to show the progress and mentality changes, and similarities, that show how society has improved and also how far we have yet to go. I really loved the hand drawn scene as a sort of imagination bubble and loved the classic tortilla scenes that just exude a respect and carrying on of Latino culture and tradition. I'm very glad prof G suggested this film!

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Shoutout to Professor G for encouraging us to watch these films! It is very obvious that y'all put a lot of hardwork into them. I absolutely loved the message behind this one. Sometimes with all the hate still in the world, it is hard to look towards a future where things are better .. but I, too, have to imagine only great things for the future because I hope that the family I have growing up a generation behind me will do so in a continuously more accepting world!

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Your film was wonderful! It is exactly what society has needed and needs today! We must normalize (it should have always been) our different cultures, skin colors, and ways of living because there is beauty in all of them. Your film made me question my own ways; I am a latina/american who finds herself challenged on a daily basis to embrace both of my cultures. I have lived in Chile my whole life, but there is a part of me that pertains to the USA; therefore, I try to embrace both cultures throughout life. However it is not easy, as you project in your film. Looking back, I know there has been times where I push certain customs or ways of being, that belong to one of my cultures, down because of the current environment I am in. That is not okay. It is not okay that society makes you feel like you must do that nor that you allow that to happen. Your film ignites a internal reassessment that everybody needs to go through. Thank you for sharing such powerful and deep work; you are making a change through your art. Thank you.                                    P.S: I am Professor Grimes's student. Having to watch your films are a pleasure and honor.                                      -Stephanie Schroer Prado

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Wonderful work! This film really encourages viewers to engage with a reassessment of themselves and focus on the things we value around us. It hones in on the ideas of family, culture, and love as being central to our cores and our experiences. I am a student of Professor Grimes. He recommended we watch your films, and I'm very happy to have done so in that I am learning so much from all of you talented creators and artists. You all clearly have engaged with the text your read and approached the content material through your lived, or your community's lived experience. I loved the multi-generational perspective offered in this film. Kudos to you all! Brilliant film, wonderful story! -Emily L.

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I enjoyed this film so much! I enjoyed the recreation of the voice overs, so creative and talented!  I liked the different activities being put together to create this amazing film. "I will strand proud for who I am, and never feel ashamed!"