Thursday Draft Questions: Grace Grotz

1. In “Origin”, Taki Amaru describes how learning the kichwa language has brought her happiness. She explains, “we need the language to seek full life, to walk in total life” (2:14). How does learning a language connect us to our ancestry or widen global perspectives?
2. “Voicing Citizenship” by Jilian Baez notes how social media allows activists to present their causes through different modes to “share more fleshed out and nuanced versions of their stories” (59). Do you agree social media is more effective at presenting one’s story than an in-person rally or interview?
3. “Cyphers: Hip-Hip and Improvisation” by Paul Watkins and Rebecca Caines explores how musical cyphers promote collaboration while also presenting an individual’s “own right to speak” (2). How does the concept of cyphers relate to other artistic collaborations we’ve read about such as “Sobreviviendo”, the Seattle Fandango Project, “Undocumented and Awkward”, etc.? How can coming together create community while also promoting individualism?
4. Somos Mujeres, Somos Hip-Hop by Castillo-Garsow notes how “machismo” in music tends to place female artists at a disadvantage (336). Many male-driven songs tend to sexualize and enhance stereotypes of women. What lyrics or visuals in the music videos by Black Mama, Taki Amaru, and Caye Cayejeron counteract these female cliches?