Life in Berlin
Midpoint of the Journey!
I left Chicago headed to Berlin March 14. Arrived with very few expectations and knowing absolutely no one. Classes hadn't started yet and well, life was moving forward. As to date, I have been here for a little over three months now and things are just starting to make sense. I always have a problem over thinking situations and my life and trying to give everything reasoning, but my experience here has helped me with just settling with that is the now.
Three weeks after my arrival, classes started. I had already began to meet and go out and experience the city. School just added a little more structure to my daily routine. Since I have been here and the more I get used to certain cultural differences, I continue to get more and more comfortable of being away from family, friends and home in general.
Don't get me wrong, there are somethings such as the unsanitary waiters at restaurants who never washed there hands after handling money, receipts, dirty plates and then come fix your pasta and stir it up with their hands that I could never get used to but meeting such diverse and well rounded people is exciting for me. Everyone I come in contact with speak multiple languages, of course english being one of the many. A lot of people have traveled to different parts of the world and aren't as ignorant to cultural differences as much as I find Americans to be. Any-who, this entry isn't about America and its lack of concern with international experience.
After meeting my half way stay in Berlin, I have found and explored a new side of myself. I feel as though I am being forced to grow up twice. Living in a new country really makes you question your identity, especially in a country where there aren't as many of your own. I have came to understand how to some extent growing up in America as an African American in a lower class community has kind of set me up for a specific response when things take place outside of my familiar area. For example, Chicago is very segregated. Anyone from there know what streets to cross and which one are restricted depending on what area you are from. So, when I got to Berlin, I automatically expected to come and find a neighborhood where most of the blacks (African Diaspora) sort of meet and hang. But duh, this is not the US and it is not like that.
After learning more about Berlin culture and the immigrant situation, it became clearer that there sense of community came from different places. In result of this, I craved for a better understanding which also led to the developement of my project I am currently working on here called Lost and Found.
So, this is what the Artist has came up with and I can't wait to share footage!
Lost and Found
Lost and found is a documentary/narrative film about a young African American woman coming to Berlin and finding a part of herself. As this African American girl travel to Berlin she begins to interact directly and indirectly with Africans. She get a better understanding and gain a new respect for African culture and is able to take and share what has been lost in time. Germany is already a country with a horrible yet rich past. From genocides to wars each street tells a story. Lost and found shows a merge of cultures that all struggle with identity. In search to be whole again, you see a mixture of cultures but specifically Africans, African Germans and Germans share there stories just from daily interactions through the eyes of this young African American woman.
The conversation taking place thru the images and interactions of the people she meet helps her in deconstructing the myths of african diasporians. The integration process of africans into German culture resulting in a revelation of self discovery. It takes for one to leave home in order to began to have these real conversations about identity.
With the reunification of berlin, the city continue to define its culture. Lost and found uses the city as a backdrop and also represnts that when one undergo such a dramatic experience (the Wall for Berlin, slavery for Africans and African Americans) it becomes possible for these myths to be created because of seperation. In America, african-Americans have no reason to search or communicate with Africans. This is the same with Africans in Africa but because the blacks (africans and african americans) community In Berlin isn't as large as in there native land they are brought together for obvious reasons. Hair care, skin color, religious practices, etc. but this unification starts a dialogue that often dont take place anywhere else. The atmosphere that berlin creates bring these cultures together under unusual circumstances that no other country does.
I left Chicago headed to Berlin March 14. Arrived with very few expectations and knowing absolutely no one. Classes hadn't started yet and well, life was moving forward. As to date, I have been here for a little over three months now and things are just starting to make sense. I always have a problem over thinking situations and my life and trying to give everything reasoning, but my experience here has helped me with just settling with that is the now.
Three weeks after my arrival, classes started. I had already began to meet and go out and experience the city. School just added a little more structure to my daily routine. Since I have been here and the more I get used to certain cultural differences, I continue to get more and more comfortable of being away from family, friends and home in general.
Don't get me wrong, there are somethings such as the unsanitary waiters at restaurants who never washed there hands after handling money, receipts, dirty plates and then come fix your pasta and stir it up with their hands that I could never get used to but meeting such diverse and well rounded people is exciting for me. Everyone I come in contact with speak multiple languages, of course english being one of the many. A lot of people have traveled to different parts of the world and aren't as ignorant to cultural differences as much as I find Americans to be. Any-who, this entry isn't about America and its lack of concern with international experience.
After meeting my half way stay in Berlin, I have found and explored a new side of myself. I feel as though I am being forced to grow up twice. Living in a new country really makes you question your identity, especially in a country where there aren't as many of your own. I have came to understand how to some extent growing up in America as an African American in a lower class community has kind of set me up for a specific response when things take place outside of my familiar area. For example, Chicago is very segregated. Anyone from there know what streets to cross and which one are restricted depending on what area you are from. So, when I got to Berlin, I automatically expected to come and find a neighborhood where most of the blacks (African Diaspora) sort of meet and hang. But duh, this is not the US and it is not like that.
After learning more about Berlin culture and the immigrant situation, it became clearer that there sense of community came from different places. In result of this, I craved for a better understanding which also led to the developement of my project I am currently working on here called Lost and Found.
So, this is what the Artist has came up with and I can't wait to share footage!
Lost and Found
Lost and found is a documentary/narrative film about a young African American woman coming to Berlin and finding a part of herself. As this African American girl travel to Berlin she begins to interact directly and indirectly with Africans. She get a better understanding and gain a new respect for African culture and is able to take and share what has been lost in time. Germany is already a country with a horrible yet rich past. From genocides to wars each street tells a story. Lost and found shows a merge of cultures that all struggle with identity. In search to be whole again, you see a mixture of cultures but specifically Africans, African Germans and Germans share there stories just from daily interactions through the eyes of this young African American woman.
The conversation taking place thru the images and interactions of the people she meet helps her in deconstructing the myths of african diasporians. The integration process of africans into German culture resulting in a revelation of self discovery. It takes for one to leave home in order to began to have these real conversations about identity.
With the reunification of berlin, the city continue to define its culture. Lost and found uses the city as a backdrop and also represnts that when one undergo such a dramatic experience (the Wall for Berlin, slavery for Africans and African Americans) it becomes possible for these myths to be created because of seperation. In America, african-Americans have no reason to search or communicate with Africans. This is the same with Africans in Africa but because the blacks (africans and african americans) community In Berlin isn't as large as in there native land they are brought together for obvious reasons. Hair care, skin color, religious practices, etc. but this unification starts a dialogue that often dont take place anywhere else. The atmosphere that berlin creates bring these cultures together under unusual circumstances that no other country does.
Hollywood?
First I am willing to admit that sometimes I am anti-hollywood not because its hollywood but having opportunities to work in the industry I know from experience it is not what its hyped up 2 be and because alot of things I see just seem so distant from reality, cliche and ingenuine. However, there are some really good works that are created from the heart and not only to make a dollar but to make statements and represent the voices of the unheard and unspoken. It bothers me how some people prejudge without ever allowing there assumptions to be challenged or proven otherwise. To me, this is ignorance at its best.
I am not going to lie, since the movie Sex and the city came out, I refused to watch it because to me it has no connection to my lifestyle preference and just seem so unrealistic from the lives of the majority. After much thought, I decided to watch the film because whether i agreed with it or not, it is someones creation. So I did and I actually ended up really enjoying the film. I mean in tears more than once enjoying the film and will be going to watch part 2 =). Of course i have my critiques but hey some people do spend 500 on shoes and think nothing of it. The movie made statements on life from different perspetives and of course it just the southern girl who helps Carrie get her life back in order which can be viewed from many perspectives, I am going to take the positive one in this case. While it has a stereotypes that are constantly reinforced in almost every successful mainstream film which is one of my anti hollywood protest, this reality exist to some.
I have learned that the social constructs we build off of are only significant because of the approach of the conversation and also ones own life experience. When critiquing a film like Sex and the City my first argument would be that the first time you see a black person with any significance she is assistant to this well known white author who buys her her first real Louis Vuitton so she no longers has to rent them and the line that follows is "the best dollar I ever spent". As a filmmaker working towards social change and creating a voice for minorities in the industry i would not have made that choice. I mean, why couldn't one of the girls be black or one of the husbands. However, I am well aware that this is how the some people lives function.
The question I am trying to raise though is as an artist how do we stay true to ourselves and our own reality without feeding into these stereotypes. The media plays such an important role in creating our world views. Looking back at films like Friday or Baby Boy which can be criticized for being poor representations of the black community but also just wanting the world to understand that this too is not far from the realities of some but still being flexible and open to a film like Sex in the City having a all black cast because this too can be our reality and is for some.
The Artist thoughts...
I am not going to lie, since the movie Sex and the city came out, I refused to watch it because to me it has no connection to my lifestyle preference and just seem so unrealistic from the lives of the majority. After much thought, I decided to watch the film because whether i agreed with it or not, it is someones creation. So I did and I actually ended up really enjoying the film. I mean in tears more than once enjoying the film and will be going to watch part 2 =). Of course i have my critiques but hey some people do spend 500 on shoes and think nothing of it. The movie made statements on life from different perspetives and of course it just the southern girl who helps Carrie get her life back in order which can be viewed from many perspectives, I am going to take the positive one in this case. While it has a stereotypes that are constantly reinforced in almost every successful mainstream film which is one of my anti hollywood protest, this reality exist to some.
I have learned that the social constructs we build off of are only significant because of the approach of the conversation and also ones own life experience. When critiquing a film like Sex and the City my first argument would be that the first time you see a black person with any significance she is assistant to this well known white author who buys her her first real Louis Vuitton so she no longers has to rent them and the line that follows is "the best dollar I ever spent". As a filmmaker working towards social change and creating a voice for minorities in the industry i would not have made that choice. I mean, why couldn't one of the girls be black or one of the husbands. However, I am well aware that this is how the some people lives function.
The question I am trying to raise though is as an artist how do we stay true to ourselves and our own reality without feeding into these stereotypes. The media plays such an important role in creating our world views. Looking back at films like Friday or Baby Boy which can be criticized for being poor representations of the black community but also just wanting the world to understand that this too is not far from the realities of some but still being flexible and open to a film like Sex in the City having a all black cast because this too can be our reality and is for some.
The Artist thoughts...
Turning 21!
So young world,
My 21st is quickly approaching. Sending much love and plenty of thanks to God, my mother, father, family, the mentors, teachers, friends and support in general. I could never have made it this far without you all guidance or whatever life experience we share.
I write this with all humbleness on my heart, just looking back on the years and dreaming of the ones to come. First, I have never wanted normal birthday gifts or wanted to do normal things in life for that matter but I remember telling myself that I didn't want to celebrate my 21st in the states and that before I turn 21 I wanted to have experienced 3 countries. If you count the ones in passing then that would make it 6 but experienced, I have met my goal with 3! Quingdao, China was the 1st! Summer of 06'! Studied Mandarin Chinese and their culture. Lifetime experience with life long friends. Chihuahua, Mexico, Spring semester 07'! Produced a film using corn as a window to study Mexican culture! This experience was like no other! I went by myself, with a camera and a dream! no lie! Turned into an AMAZING adventure! Now, Berlin, Germany! Summer semester 10'. Exchange student at Berlin Uni. for the Arts.
For my 16th birthday, I wanted property! At 18, I wanted mutual funds! 21! I want to look at how my investments have grown! Everyone has control over the path they choose, make smart and wise decisions. It is true, you reap what you sow. I have been para sailing over the pacific ocean, Studied at UCLA, Mt. Holyoke, ran the youth program for Rainbow PUSH (Rev. Jesse Jackson organization), introduced President Obama (before he was the president though) and Mayor Daley, cut the ribbon for the opening of the Buckingham Fountain, motivational speaking on almost every coast... I have worked since I was 12 and always jobs that I love. My first job was at a daycare, a kid being paid to watch kids but they use to love me and my boss paid me in cash b/c well, I was too young. lol. I was in charge of the production of a 30 min. TV show weekly for CanTV, channel 19 that aired in Chi-Town and NYC! Scholarship recipient of The Pullman Foundation, Rainbow PUSH, Mayor Daley Chicago Park District, CoCo Cola....There is more that I am grateful for as well! Than, I have been blessed with the BIG one! The Beautner Family Award! of $50,000! and one of the 1st time this scholarship has been rewarded! (Big ups to the rest of the scholars!) Served 2 terms as student trustee, having the opportunity to sit along side of MAJOR successful people that I aspire to be like! Worked along side RENOWNED world leaders, had dinner with May Jemison (the 1st black astronaut), recited poetry to Nikki Giovani herself (sis Nekita saw it with her own eyes) lol, started at least 3 businesses from jewelry to party investments. Honestly, I could keep going but I just wanted to remind myself of these things I don't often appreciate. These years have been filled with excitement. Ups and downs, smiles and frowns, people coming and going, living and loving and I am NOWHERE near finish, not even halfway.
A year from my 21st birthday exactly, I will be graduating from COLLEGE! Seriously, next year graduation falls on my bday! I am happy! I am blessed, grateful and VERY THANKFUL! So let me be the 1st to say it, HAPPY 21st BDAY Whitney! Enjoy!
Lost and Found Series =) Part 1.
Lost and Found is the most recent project I am working on! It is in the very early stages of development and research. The project evolved from my travels to Berlin and having the chance to meet, wine and dine with Africans from all over the continent. The myth in the States is that Africans don't care to associate themselves with African Americans and prefer us to not refer to ourselves as Africans. You should know what coming next from the key word: MYTH!
So, I am currently gathering poems, songs, quotes, pictures, films, etc. that will be useful to this topic or subject matter of African Americans identity.
More info soon on why "Lost and Found" but until then please enjoy this performance by the lovely Smokey Robison about being Black in America ♥
So, I am currently gathering poems, songs, quotes, pictures, films, etc. that will be useful to this topic or subject matter of African Americans identity.
More info soon on why "Lost and Found" but until then please enjoy this performance by the lovely Smokey Robison about being Black in America ♥
My dedication to you...
"Perhaps all the questions we ask of love, to measure, test, probe, and save it, have the additional effect of cutting it short. Perhaps the reason we are unable to love is that we yearn to be loved, that is, we demand something (love) from our partner instead of delivering ourselves up to him demand-free and asking for nothing but his company."
The terribly inconvenient fact is that, without you around, everything slides back to how it was before. It can’t do otherwise. And I have to say, books haven’t helped much with all this. Because whenever you read anything about love, whenever anyone tries to define it, there’s always a state or an abstract noun, and I try to think of it like that. But actually, love is… Well, it’s just you. And when you go, it’s gone. Nothing abstract about it.
- Juliet, Naked, Nick Hornby
You light my fire!
Wait, I might die. Well, you could be the death of me ♥
W. S
"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,
regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle,
but it will never break."
-Red String of Fate
"I can’t think of any greater happiness than to be with you all the time, without interruption, endlessly, even though I feel that here in this world there’s no undisturbed place for our love, neither in the village nor anywhere else; and I dream of a grave, deep and narrow, where we could clasp each other in our arms as with clamps, and I would hide my face in you and you would hide your face in me, and nobody would ever see us any more."
-Franz Kafka, The Castle
The terribly inconvenient fact is that, without you around, everything slides back to how it was before. It can’t do otherwise. And I have to say, books haven’t helped much with all this. Because whenever you read anything about love, whenever anyone tries to define it, there’s always a state or an abstract noun, and I try to think of it like that. But actually, love is… Well, it’s just you. And when you go, it’s gone. Nothing abstract about it.
- Juliet, Naked, Nick Hornby
You light my fire!
Wait, I might die. Well, you could be the death of me ♥
W. S
"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,
regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle,
but it will never break."
-Red String of Fate
"I can’t think of any greater happiness than to be with you all the time, without interruption, endlessly, even though I feel that here in this world there’s no undisturbed place for our love, neither in the village nor anywhere else; and I dream of a grave, deep and narrow, where we could clasp each other in our arms as with clamps, and I would hide my face in you and you would hide your face in me, and nobody would ever see us any more."
-Franz Kafka, The Castle