The Name Game

Names play a huge role in society today. They can be used to categorize, make assumptions, and describe heritage. I am usually called Christy- a nickname my mom and dad have called me since I was little. Christy means "from Christ" which is an accurate description of my beliefs. My religion is very important to me and I try to spread God's word, which is why I take a lot of pride in the meaning of my name. Christine-my actual name- simply means "follower of Christ". I like to go by my nickname because it sounds more informal, while Christine sounds elegant and more feminine. My full name reads Christine Samatha Johnson, that's right, s.a.m.a.t.h.a. Why did my mom misspell Samantha on my own official birth certificate? Truth is- she didn't. 

The omission of the "n" was purposeful actually. If the "n" were to be included in the name, then the word "man" be hidden in between the "Sa" and the "tha"-unrecognizable, but not to my mom. She did not want the word man in my name because it did not accurately describe my gender or my personality. I think my name provides a pretty accurate generalization of my personality but it does not define me. One could assume that I am white, because of my name. One could assume I am female, because of my name. And one could assume I am Christian, because of my name. But, in no way is white, Christian, and female the definition of Christy Johnson. 

There is a time when I feel like I have to act a different personality because of the groups I am a part of. At school, I have classes with other IB diploma peers and teachers. When I am in class, I feel an urge to act more composed, well-thought out, and academically excellent to impress friends and teachers. However, when I am alone or with my family, I can act differently and feel less pressure to be accepted.  At home I am more energetic, silly, and communicative, while at school I try to assume a role of being a “good” student by expressing myself with curiosity, being a leader, and being involved. But sometimes, it’s good to be a follower. If Jesus did not have any followers than where would Christianity be today? Or my name for that matter? I admit, sometimes I am content with NOT knowing the answer. These characteristics of a good student are in fact “good”, but it is important to keep a balance. I just choose to exercise my balance in different “me’s” because I feel as though I am more accepted during those appropriate times. 

What-a World

Click for picture!

This breath-taking picture above captures a part of Wing Young Huie and his's perspective. He lives in Minnesota and captures the urban society that is being pressured by societal and economic change.  He attempts to capture "up-to-the-minute societal mirrors of who we are, seeking to reveal not only what is hidden, but also what is plainly visible and seldom noticed."  This photograph, which is done in black in white, was published in the album "We Are the Other" in 2012-2013 by Wing Young Huie.

The particular photograph I have chosen depicts an African American man in a barber shop. A small chalk board is pressed up against his chest saying, "I am a fair minded person, I wish the world would do the same." A fair world, who does not judge and suppress groups by economic status, skin color, or even eye or hair color.  The Asian man who is buzzing his hair seems old and has his two fingers supporting the temple of the customer. The customer sits with his eyes closed, resting. As I dove deeper into the meaning of this picture, I notice the expression on face looks solemn  or suppressed.  He is getting a hair cut, which is a great place to think and ponder.  The hair cut may signify change, since it changes your appearance. It may signify the change the world is making to a more fair and dignified society.

In Huie's photograph, he uses the African American to be the center of the image. The color of the photograph makes him stand out and appear out of place, or alien. Margret Atwood uses othering in her book, The Handmaid's Tail, by alienating handmaids. These women have to wear a long red cloak with white gloves and wings (Atwood 24).  Red brings text and images to the foreground. It is also used as an accent color to stimulate people to make quick decisions, judgments, or stereotypes. To bring the handmaids to the foreground and bring attention to them, alienating them. The language between the two documents is parallel. The language on the chalk board in the photograph have a negative connotation. The explanation point gives me the idea he feels suppressed and treated unfairly. Atwood also uses language to alienate characters. She uses the language musing "ladies in reduced circumstances" to give an idea of the women being below other figure heads.

These properties from both texts provide a deliberate manipulation of the audience. By using the chalk board, Huie is able to give the audience a concept or idea the man is thinking about. He wants the audience to agree with the man by giving the audience "a look into his thoughts." If the text on the chalk board were to say "this man gives bad hair cuts" than the audience might assume the photograph was intended to depict a haircut with a comical aspect. Atwood also deliberately manipulates the audience to believe that handmaids are others and suppressed. Since the book is written in the perspective of a handmaid, it allows the audience to feel more sympathy or relate to the character on a more sentimental basis. These two aspects deliberately manipulate the audience and give a since of othering.