In this course, one theme has been continually referenced, discussed, and contemplated quite prominently, that of IDENTITY. Regardless of status; immigrant, citizen, ethnic minority, gender, or the like, we have all quickly understood that our identities have been shaped and formed by not only the landscape of our “place” but through media and corporate intervention of that place. In considering this, I immediately was reminded of the film “The Desert is No Lady” which documents the lives and artistry of nine female artists (painters, creative writers, tapestry workers, sculptors, poets, etc). This film discusses the way in which ones upbringing and interaction with their landscape will drastically change their artwork. Technical intervention, for example, in a rural town caused one artist to feel disconnected from her roots. Corporate infiltration and urbanization (Americanization) caused another to lose her sense of nostalgia in what she once considered home.
These stories reflect the themes constantly considered in the course; globalization, urbanization, community, belonging, identity, diaspora, and difference. Each woman brings with them a different creation story, set of practices, set of beliefs, values, cultures, and artistry and yet can interact with a landscape in such a profound way. Spaces and places can have either negative or positive effects on the individual based on their cultural upbringing or way of life, but regardless of a positive or negative mindset regarding “place” it seeks to INSPIRE. One artist sees the landscape as not rigid or static, but as a constant redefinition of customs and stories. Another layers images upon images in her work to demonstrate that this landscape has inspired multi-faceted views of “home.”
So, then, as Barney posits that the baseball field is the ideal place for community and a true sense of identity, could it not be so that regardless of WHERE, it is the LANDSCAPE which inspires and unites us all? Each of these nine women are bound together by their interaction with (in this case the Southwest) a space and through their constant interactions with it have transformed it into their “place.” So I suppose my question then is this: what difference does it make where we came from, landed, or are currently living in? If every single landscape we interact with can inspire us, can we not argue that community can be wherever we choose? Wherever we are? Wherever we will be? Why does community or identity have to be so intrinsically linked with our upbringing or the colour of our skin; why cannot it be simply a constant re-definition of ourselves at different points in our lives based on where we are?
I think you bring up some very interesting points that highlight the problems we have had with certain theories discussed in this class. The fact is that the ways in which we all interact are very complicated. They involve negotiating place, space, time, and person. I think your example of the artists does an excellent job of illustrating the ways people can connect and be different at the same time. How different lived experiences effect us all differently. Regarding your question what difference it makes I think this relates nicely to the ideas of imagined communities. Communities may be real or imagined and our experiences of each can vary depending on personal expectations and past experiences.
ReplyDeleteThe story of identity and perception. I often hear people say all is relative. In this particular example it certainly is. We weave our own stories based on the perceptions we adopt. Seeking to integrate we are bound to face some resistance if perceptions are not positively matching those we see as representative of our identities. However, it is in the same resistance that the equal and opposite force is born. In gathering information and understanding the opposition we are becoming more appreciative of our own identities. Situations that are detrimental to our identities at the moment, often prove to be a wealth of knowledge in later years. Life is a growth process and all aspects, even the less pleasant ones bring forth positive transformations... it's all a matter of perception and layout. Taken together the layers of the cultural identity contribute to the richness of the creation. Thank you for a great post, Marie: you gave me an additional perspective and understanding of identity.
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