DRAFT PROJECT POST- Milene Tapuy

Chapter 8 Ethics:

Quote: “Just because activism is artistic doesn’t mean that its politics are on the side of the angels.”

Short response: This demonstrates that art can be a powerful tool for any cause, whether good or bad. It reminds us to examine carefully how artistic activism is utilized and who it benefits.

Quote: "Ethical practice demands a decision, but that decision is always open to revision."

Short response: This shows that ethics isn’t about having perfect answers; it’s about thinking carefully, making the best choice you can, and staying open to re-evaluating your decisions as situations change.

Chapter 9 Utopia:

Quote: “Being so close to the issues we are struggling with, we often get caught up in the immediate problems we face.”

Short response: This reminds us that focusing only on short-term challenges can limit our imagination. When activists step back and picture the bigger vision of what they truly want, they can find deeper motivation and clearer direction.

Quote: "dystopian futures don’t give us the space or the impetus to imagine a world better than the one we will 

Short response: This means dystopias can warn us about danger, but they don’t guide us toward solutions. Without a clear vision of what we want, it’s challenging to overcome fear and create meaningful change.

DRAFT PROJECT POST: 

My project is based on a performance called The Line, which illustrates how people’s lives diverge over time due to privilege, struggle, and inequality. I will create a long tape line on the floor with two signs: “Safe” on one end and “Struggle” on the other. All participants start together in a straight line. I will read statements such as “I feel safe walking home at night,” “My family can always afford basic needs,” or “I rarely worry about money.” If the statement is true, participants step toward “Safe.” If not, they step toward “Struggle.” As the performance continues, people slowly spread out. At the end, everyone looks around to see where they ended up. This visual moment shows how different life experiences can separate people who all started in the same place.

This project connects to social justice work, privilege discussions, and performance art that uses the body as a visual tool to communicate inequality. It also relates to my research on immigrant experiences, especially many families who often face economic struggle, unsafe environments, or limited access to resources. The message of the performance is that not everyone begins life from the same starting point, and understanding these differences can create empathy and awareness.