Prior to starting the creative project, I assumed I would hate it. I never considered myself a creative person; I just followed directions and did what was needed to do. I chose my research topic, the single story of sexuality, and felt like it was incredibly interesting to explore. However, I definitely felt I was taking a risk because even though there were plenty of source on the topic, I couldn’t really related. Not to say everyone in class chose a topic that was relatable, but I guess when you can find common ground in a topic it is easier. I thought I would find relevance to my life, but when it came to “putting my pen to the paper” (really…finger tips to my keyboard) I was stuck. Professor Blankenship was aware of my confusion, and luckily I made her proud and aced the assignment. However, I felt I had to do more – and of course, there was more. I had to take my arguments about our heteronormative society and how those reflect in our media, and take a creative spin on it.

So, what could I do? I could make a PowerPoint with video clips and pictures. I could make a collage, or make an iMovie, or write a poem. There were options, but here I was…stuck again. In my theatre class, we discussed whom “owns” experiences and who had the right to critique a culture – and ultimately it comes down to people within the culture. It is unjust to judge a culture outside of your own, simply because you can’t experience exactly what they go through. With that being said, it is unjust to force your own culture onto other people. So what is just? Well, it is just to be a listener and to be empathetic to people and their experiences, opinions, and choices. So, to showcase that sort of philosophy, I wanted my arguments to be put alongside people who are apart of a community that does not identify as heterosexual. While there is a small number, their voices are loud and proud. I learned so much with just speaking to five people; imagine how much the world could learn if it was open to discussing topics that are seemingly taboo like gender and sexuality!

My rhetorical choices were obvious, I believe. However, I would like to explain further. I am taking individual voices and allowing them to have their own space for sharing. Some were brief, while some were elaborate; both equally as useful. My main focus is the static page on my blog, set up somewhat like a Tumblr page. The theme is simple to not draw attention away from my focus, which is their voices. I start off with a photo of myself, and I allow myself to be the person who is subject to possible assumptions. Why? I feel like as a writer, we must take risks and we open ourselves up for criticism. I don’t want people to view this and make any negative assumptions about my friends… so I’ll take the first punch if necessary. I was weary on including a picture of myself… maybe it could take away from my point, I am unsure. However, like I said, I want to stop possible assumptions! I included pictures of the people I interviewed with their name and how I know them. Using hyperlinks, you can click their photos to view their whole page I created for them. For fun and for education, I included links I felt, and my friends felt, were relevant to my topic. With my blog you can view my research essay, but I felt it wouldn’t be creative to just rewrite my paper on the blog. What I think is a little different from what I am used to, which again is a risk, was allowing the other voices to be heard and I was able to construct a platform for their opinions. I am sure some could argue it is an “easy way out,” but this was incredibly difficult for me. I don’t want my argumentative nature and need to share my thoughts to take away from others who have the same need. It is their turn; and that I think is my rhetorical strategy.

The setting for this project, realistically, I think is still the Internet. Not necessary Blogs@Baruch, but it is a start. While I don’t believe it is always true that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” change starts within the youth. It is difficult to teach older generations, and I would not say to avoid it, but start in a realistic place. The point of this project is to advocate change. I simply changed my way in “keeping my mouth shut,” and creating a starting place for a larger group of people. I would hope that in being honest about ignorance and accepting education, rather than denying it, will bring about a positive change. Sometimes, it is necessary for people to just listen in order to learn. Like Elisa said, we aren’t born racist or sexist… but we are born ignorant. We choose what we can learn about and listen to, and choosing to ignore people who may not be like you is only hurting yourself and future generations to come.

I gained a whole new experience from the remediation process, and I hope I executed it well. I did something pretty different from my peers, but I am proud of it. I am proud of the work I put into this and hope my friends that were interviewed are as well. This was a whole new way of thinking, and writing, for me and I feel that is what the college education process is all about.