Cara Zhang Afrofuturism Padlet by

Sept 10, 2025 Documenting the Nameplate

carazhang3 — 2025-09-10 16:51:14 UTC

Many minority names can be looked down upon in interpersonal or professional settings, but by displaying one's name proudly with nameplates they can instead celebrate their Black identity. Additionally, displaying their name can limit the "correction" or simplification of a name deemed hard to pronounce or out of the ordinary.

Nameplates are also connected to the culture of hip-hop and street style, by wearing and documenting nameplates we can acknowledge the history that popularized it and keep the culture thriving.

By being curious about the history behind other peoples name's we can explore the personal history of others and connect through stories.

Sept 8, 2025 Vision Board

carazhang3 — 2025-09-10 16:52:02 UTC

Sept 11, 2025 Relating Entries Appolution

carazhang3 — 2025-09-11 21:23:31 UTC

There was a tech glitch, the video that was recorded in class with Mia and Nyomi was deleted.

This is a brief summary of the points I mentioned in that video.

I think that through these posts we can see how important being hopeful and supportive was within the black community at this time.

These posts show the origination of the Black Lives Matter movement. In the present we have seen how impact it is to inspire and cultivate a movement such as this, and how much traction it can gain.

These posts inspire a politically active and aware future, being collaborative with the way that we approach change.

Sept 15, 2025 Black Power Naps

carazhang3 — 2025-09-16 15:22:24 UTC

I emailed a video of my response with Mia.

Sept 17, 2025 Hanif Adurraquib

carazhang3 — 2025-09-17 16:55:57 UTC

When I step into a room of unfamiliar faces, the first instinct is to put up a tough shield, a resting face of judging eyes, furrowed eyebrows, and crossed arms. My body stays stiff and rigid, warding people away from my personal space. Ever since I was young, elementary school aged, I've been told, over and over, "When I first met you I thought you were mean," an observation that has come from acquaintances and my closest friends. It's a thought that I've internalized, "If that's how I show up then that's how I will show up." But in reality my judging eyes and furrowed brows are nervous and anxious, observing every move in an uncomfortable room. My body compact as to not take up too much space or draw too much attention. I've never wanted to be seen as mean. I love to laugh and joke around. I'm loud and playful. I'm not afraid to embarrass myself and I will always stick up for those around me. But whenever I enter that unfamiliar room it's the face I put on, the face that's always been put on me.

Sept 18, 2025 Emergent Strategy

carazhang3 — 2025-09-18 19:00:02 UTC

One strategy of survival I observe is how fish swim in schools, by doing this they protect each other by appearing larger to predators and being able to search for food. In humans we can stay in large communities to also protect and help each other through obstacles.

Sept 22, 2025 Music Video Analysis of "Dirty Computer"

carazhang3 — 2025-09-22 19:11:59 UTC

What are we being asked to imagine about the possibility of liberation?

I interpret the repetition of the lyric "I want a crazy classic life" along with the scenes of partying and dancing to represent being able to live a life of luxury and limitless expression for the black community. In the rapping section specifically, she talks about how the black community has been barred from being able to express freely. She isn't able to proudly present her culture within the party environment, that others get to experience, without the risk of retaliation. But this could be a possible future, where all are able to enjoy their peers and community free from judgment. At the end of the music video the party is shutdown with violence, showing that even within this universe they have not been liberated to live the life that they wish to.

Oct 1, 2025 T.E.Q

carazhang3 — 2025-10-01 16:52:40 UTC

Thoughts - Is it still a just society if there is this injustice towards specific people, even if they are the minority. How do these "just" societies differ from our unjust society, if the injustice is being performed to 1 or a few people, is it not the same as our society just at a smaller scale?

Epiphany - Sacrifices are made in both societies to benefit the majority.

Question - How do the "just" societies in both stories differ from our society?

Oct 2, 2025 Working Thesis

carazhang3 — 2025-10-02 19:34:03 UTC

What are you thinking about for your comparative analysis? What is your anchor test from our in class readings? What are you comparing it to? What afrofuturist subtest are you exploring in these who texts based upon concepts were have relearned, discussed, or explored.

- The most intriguing in class reading to me so far has been "The Comet" by W.E.B Du Bois

utilizing "The Comet" to explain/connect afropessimist
connecting horror movies surrounding black characters with aspects of afropessimism
Illusions (1982)
Get Out (2017)
Night of the Living Dead (1968)