https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig Made with love. en-us 2021-04-16 01:09:16 UTC 2025-12-02 23:50:29 UTC hello@padlet.com sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1455154353   This song was released in 2002 but it holds a very strong message for the world to hear. It talks about the struggles that us, women have to face in today's world, being unheard and just "seen". Christina thought it was about time she brings attention to this issue, as men continue to mistreat us and associate us with unworthiness. The lyrics of this song were impactful. Many negative remarks are made towards females but never towards a man, even if he's at fault. This is exactly why men feel the urge to be in control in society and act as if women are of no value compared to them. The song  impacted me particularly because it made me remember my worth and it pushed me to encourage other women around me when they feel degraded.
I believe this is a great song for women to embrace their femininity and become more empowered to take on the world. As a woman, I sometimes need the empowerment or the reminder that I am worthy and valued even when society gives me a reason to forget this.]]> 2021-04-24 20:23:42 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1455154353 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1457416159 "We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race", Kofi Annan once said. Welcome to my exhibition. I am Sandra and I’ve created this exhibition for one to realize the struggles of being a colored woman in the Western countries. I included a different variety of artifacts to represent these aspects of my identity. Not only that but I’ve created this exhibition to frame a sense of unity no matter the identities that we hold to our names. Everyone has different sorts of identities but at the end of the day, we are all human and should be equal. I possess multiple identities: middle-class, female, heterosexual, Arab, migrant, and young. Having multiple identities is possible and could be a positive and a negative thing. Certain aspects of my identity can be considered as inferior, for example being a woman also means being oppressed throughout many times of my life, like at work, within my daily surroundings, etc. Whereas being heterosexual can be seen as a positive identity in today's world. I have come to understand that I am the best version of myself, which has helped me get through my struggles with my intersectional identities. Throughout my young adolescent years, I've learned to accept and love myself even when the world makes me feel like I shouldn't. I've also learned the importance of accepting and loving everyone around me, despite their identities. To explain my choice of the blue rose background, I decided to put this image because I feel that a blue rose describes me as a person: unique, mysterious, and peaceful. I believe these are also huge parts of my identity. 

]]> 2021-04-26 01:26:07 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1457416159 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1457676410 J. Cole focuses on motivating females to recognize their value and let go of their insecurities. It's amazing how he used his platform as a successful MALE rapper to spread this message. Especially, with the media constantly telling women the way they should dress and act in public, J. Cole emphasizes that beauty is what's on the inside rather than outside appearance. 
I highly appreciate this song in particular because it focuses on one of the aspects of my identity as a female. Sometimes I need a reminder that I am beautiful and worthy of living without having to abide by the standards of society, which is exactly what this song is to me. I loved that Cole is a man but he still stepped up to sing about the value and inner beauty of women. ]]> 2021-04-26 03:19:28 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1457676410 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1457712820 This artwork by Charles White speaks very loudly to me, as it holds a lot of emotion. I adore this artwork because it dates back to an important time and it shows the pain that African American people felt during times of slavery, allowing the viewer to feel connected with them. Although White painted this to honor or portray the struggle of Black people in the past, I believe I can also connect with it because I am dark-skinned and have faced many racist and discriminatory encounters in the my life. 
Overall, I love this painting because I feel as though African American artists, like Charles White, create beautiful work that also shows the struggles that black people have endured in the past. Their work speaks louder than just colors on a canvas.]]> 2021-04-26 03:36:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1457712820 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496218101 In the below images, Beyonce modeled as she dressed up as an ancient Egyptian queen. Many people, including celebrities like her, have taken some cultures and wore them on their own skin. Culture appropriation is known to be "the adoption of an element or elements of one culture or identity by members of another culture or identity". One of my biggest identities is being an Egyptian, although I immigrated to North America 12 years ago, I still hold true to my roots as an Egyptian. 
After seeing these images on social media, my mind shifted towards this idea of culture appropriation. Beyonce is an African American woman, yes, but she is not Egyptian, which doesn't make it okay for her to use ancient and sacred as an accessory for a photoshoot. Unfortunately, Arabs and Egyptians (along with other groups of people) are minorities in the Western world, which gives me more of a reason to feel more marginalized when I see this.]]> 2021-05-06 00:51:28 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496218101 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496357072 The poem "Ego-Tripping" by Nikki Giovanni dates back to the year 1972. In her poem, Nikki, who is also the speaker, focuses on her pride in being a strong woman. I loved this poem because one doesn't usually see a woman speak confidently about herself for the following reasons: she might be too afraid of being called "cocky" for it, she doesn't feel worthy enough to be seen as powerful, and because women have always been considered weak. I adored how Nikki Giovanni incorporates Ancient Egyptian allusions in her poem as she describes the strength she feels although she is a woman in today's world. This poem created a feeling of comfort and strength within me.
Although, my gender may be a negative aspect of my identity, I have so much more to offer which puts me in a decent place in society. For example, I am a Christian, which is seen as positive in American society. ]]> 2021-05-06 01:50:09 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496357072 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496408907 This short film was made to give encouragement to woman all around the world; it focuses on the inequality that females, like me, experience, which dates back to the beginning of time. This video was very creative because it showed different obstacles that women have overcome by uniting with one another over the decades. After numerous women spoke up about all the issues that took place, like unequal pay and lack of education for women, all of these laws changed. This inspires me and should inspire other females around the globe to voice our opinions on this social issue. I felt that this short film had a positive impact on me because one of my identities are being a woman, and this can get difficult in this world. This video sends out a message to the world (including men) that change needs to be made in order for females to become equal to men and embrace their worth. ]]> 2021-05-06 02:13:32 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496408907 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496442745 I came across is TED talk performed by Pratyusha Pilla and she titled it "Colorism", which technically isn't even an official word, but I think it should be. In the TED talk, she expands on her childhood in India where she was surrounded by people who would tell her that her dark skin tone is unattractive and it's not the "ideal beautiful woman". Colorism is a social issue that arose not long ago. This word is defined in today’s terms, as “prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.” Pilla felt very insecure after her own relatives would put her down because of her skin tone, and this pulled her back from feeling like she was enough and beautiful. This shouldn’t be something that anyone has to go through. 
Personally, as a girl who has a darker skin complexion, I can relate to this because some people in my family and culture also see this as a negative thing; they give me the impression that lighter girls are considered more beautiful and appealing to men. This made me feel worse because on top of being a woman and having to live up to the beauty standards of society, I felt like I couldn’t even do that if I wanted to because of my skin color.  However, throughout my journey, just like Pilla, I began to grasp that none of this is true and I began to love myself more and more. Having darker skin is in fact part of my identity, but I’ve learned to embrace it and accept it no matter what society tells me. ]]> 2021-05-06 02:28:19 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496442745 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496661456 This short poem written by Langston Hughes allowed me some insight on racism and the mistreatment that he felt as a black man. His poem demonstrates that the white community would put him in the kitchen to hide when people come over. In less literal words, he is cast out and of society by the American white supremacists because of his skin color. 
Even though it was a short poem, it still gave me goosebumps because it was so strong. I like how Hughes ends the poem off by saying that he will rise one day when the world wakes up to racism and when it comes to an end. 
As a colored person, I can relate to this poem such that I have experienced times of discrimination because I'm not white. This part of my identity is hard to love sometimes because I feel like it holds me back from many opportunities; this poem, however, is a sign of hope for me.]]> 2021-05-06 04:31:42 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496661456 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496698013 This poster was created by artist J. Howard Miller for the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, as an encouragement for women to work back in the day. Though it was only shown for a short time in Westinghouse warehouses, the poster went on to become one of World War II's most recognizable symbols. Women became allowed and motivated to work in military units during World War II, which made them become a known icon of female nationalism and empowerment. I believe this was a great step taken for women to begin feeling like they are equal, even though this should've been the case from the start.]]> 2021-05-06 04:54:13 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1496698013 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500624480 This article published by The Guardian completely opened up my eyes about the racism that Disney has embedded in its films. I've watched all the movies mentioned in this article, but i never really though about the racial impurities within. For example, a part that stood out to me was: " Disney's long history of racism has been well documented: the lazy, African American crows and illiterate, dark-skinned labourers in Dumbo; Sebastian, the workshy Jamaican crab in The Little Mermaid; the darker-skinned "evil" Arabs in Aladdin; the hyenas in The Lion King..." This quote by itself shows the many stereotypes found in today's cartoons and kids' movies. This articles focuses on pointing all these stereotypes out as well as sending out a message to be careful with the kids that watch these movies, as they may be influenced by the racism they see. ]]> 2021-05-07 00:46:08 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500624480 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500686918 This article caught my eye after reading it during the course because it talks about the beliefs that doctors have nowadays that are linked to dark skin and high pain endurance. Honestly never heard of this before but it shocks me that people actually use this Miss to justify racism or racial acts against African Americans (i.e. slavery). Nothing and no one can justify slavery or give it any reason to be okay. I strongly agree with this article because the author was saying that this is obviously a myth, and as a dark-skinned person, it greatly saddens me to know that other dark-skinned people are used as lab rats because of their skin color. The following quote struck me most: "Over the centuries, the two most persistent physiological myths — that black people were impervious to pain and had weak lungs that could be strengthened through hard work — wormed their way into scientific consensus, and they remain rooted in modern-day medical education and practice". It's horrible how they are implementing this "science" into today's medical practise, showing that racism might never end. ]]> 2021-05-07 01:12:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500686918 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500718483 The song by J. Cole is a summary of my identity and who I have become over the years. Cole talks about how far he's come in his life after realizing that money and fame isn't everything, and that love, happiness, and family are the more important things. The song aligns with me as a person because I, like Cole, am fond of this idea that happiness comes from within. Although he is a black man who lives in the U.S., he still has other aspects of him that may be seen as positive; for example the fame and platform he has could be seen as advantageous in this nation. This is a great benefit for him, even as a black man, to spread awareness about societal issues that rise, for example.
I used to think that being successful is the most important thing, but over the years, I’ve learned that that is not the key; the key is exploring who I am and learning more and more about myself everyday. This is exactly how my identity has been shaped. I learned to not only focus on the negative aspects of my identity, as they can intersect with positive ones that I am taking for granted. ]]> 2021-05-07 01:25:37 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500718483 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500858270 "That’s the problem. We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us" (page 252). This quote stood out to me as it relates to my identity as a woman in this world. Women, like me, usually let men say what they want to them even if it's hurtful and dehumanizing. The problem with today's society (and how it's been decades ago), is that men think they can do or say anything because they believe they are the superior gender, and a woman can't do anything about it because she'll be bashed by people. Not standing up for our rights enables men to think that their inhumane comments about females are okay. That's exactly what this quote is saying--that not standing up for what you believe in may cause permanent damage. ]]> 2021-05-07 02:26:57 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500858270 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500934308 "Some years there exists a wanting to escape - you, floating above your certain ache- still the ache coexists" (page 139). This quote  entails a deep meaning in many ways. I believe Rankine was talking about the ache that African Americans feel and have felt in the past during times of suffering and slavery. To put this quotation in perspective, I have had a want to escape- as did other colored women- from this world because of all the hate we face because of our intersectional identities. And even when trying to avoid all the pain and aches of dehumanization, the pain still remains within us. Being a girl and having to face men that treat me like I am less because of my gender, makes me feel unworthy. Females are overlooked even though they have amazing talents and they're smart, but society never fails to put them down, through unequal pay and treatment, for starters. ]]> 2021-05-07 03:04:37 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500934308 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500968978 "Every child living in the U.S. territory has this right [of education]. But not all children know this, nor do their parents necessarily know it" (page 92). This quotation from the book is significant because, unfortunately, many immigrants that come into America are unaware of the many things they have available to them, and this might be because the government makes it clear to them that they are worthless. I, myself, am an immigrant to Canada (from 12 years ago), so I understand the various problems and feelings that come with immigrating to a new country, especially in the Western countries. The book Tell Me How It Ends focuses on exactly that: the struggles that migrants experience when they cross into the U.S.; my family and I also went through a lot to immigrate and then faced even more struggles after the fact. ]]> 2021-05-07 03:23:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1500968978 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1526059233 2021-05-14 19:56:11 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1526059233 sandrageurgis https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1526220789 2021-05-14 21:09:33 UTC https://padlet.com/sandrageurgis/flznkv73gv21zdig/wish/1526220789