Identifying microaggressions and implicit biases can be challenging but asking oneself reflective questions can help uncover them.
Here are five questions people can ask themselves:
What assumptions do I make about people based on their appearance (e.g., race, gender, clothing)?
How do I react when I encounter someone who is different from me in terms of culture, language, or lifestyle?
Are there certain groups of people I tend to avoid or feel uncomfortable around? Why might that be?
How do I respond to media portrayals of different social, ethnic, and cultural groups? Do I notice patterns in these responses?
When I make decisions about hiring, mentoring, or collaborating, am I consistently favoring certain groups over others? What reasons do I give for these preferences?
Reflecting on these questions can help individuals become more aware of their implicit biases and take steps toward addressing them.
I am thrilled to share some exciting news: my work, the Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, has been selected for inclusion in the American Tapestry Association’s show, Beyond Tapestry Expanded. This opportunity is truly an honor for me as a non-traditional fiber artist.
The Blackity Black Blanket Ladders are more than just pieces of art; they are a reflection of my deep exploration into implicit bias and the complexities that arise from discussions surrounding sensitive topics. Implicit bias is a shared human experience, one that I believe is essential to confront with self-awareness rather than moral judgment.
Through this body of work, I aim to provide a visceral portrayal of the relentless barrage of microaggressions and the absence of comfort they create. Each ladder adorned with zip-tie blankets symbolizes my journey to ascend beyond these microaggressions, yet the weight of these interactions often feels like an impediment to progress.
I want to emphasize that acknowledging bias is not a condemnation of character; rather, it is a call to action. Neglecting the impact of bias is shortsighted, and my art seeks to urge individuals towards self-awareness and collective action in dismantling bias.
By confronting biases head-on, we can work towards fostering a more equitable and understanding society. Through this visual narrative, I hope to inspire others to join me on this journey towards greater empathy and inclusivity.
Thank you to the American Tapestry Association for recognizing the importance of these conversations and for providing a platform for artists like myself to share our perspectives. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue through my art.
American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded
Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15
Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN
Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, 10 ‘x 5’ Recycled commercial fishing net and black 4″ zip tie blanket on antique library ladders.
My weaving, You Are So Articulate, is currently displayed at the 2021 New Jersey Arts Annual: ReVision and Respond at The Newark Museum of Art.
Each piece of yarn used to in this weaving is representative of a particular conversation where I was acknowledged for being able to express my thoughts and ideas. As you can see this conversation comes up quite a bit.
You Are So Articulate-
You Are So Articulate- close up
You Are So Articulate- close up
You Are So Articulate comes in many forms, including…
you speak so well… you are well read… you speak white… and even “that went better than I was expecting”, comment after I nail the presentation.
Telling someone they are well-spoken is a back handed compliment. It carries the connotation that, it is unusual for someone Black to be intelligent.
The completed weaving is displayed on a DYI loom, as if, it is a work in progress because some version of this conversation, continues still, till this very day.
