Writing Samples
Unlike Any Other
When looking up the definition of superhero, the Oxford Dictionary defines a superhero as a benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers. Wikipedia’s definition of superhero is a heroic stock character, typically possessing supernatural or superhuman powers, who is dedicated to fighting the evil of their universe, protecting the public, and battling supervillains. And lastly, as defined by Merriam Webster, a superhero is a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers, also: an exceptionally skillful or successful person. Though each source described above has a slightly different definition of a superhero, they all share one commonality: a superhero possesses some sort of superhuman power. This is especially true when describing the resilience of Black women.
Since the beginning of time, the world has shamed and deprived Black women of what makes them unique albeit through their hair, body type, body image, and skin color. The world has constantly thrown bricks at the character of Black women. Society has ruthlessly attempted to tear the Black woman down. And yet, they rise. Every day, a new version or form of racism and discrimination thwarts their way. What does this mean? The spirit of a Black woman cannot and shall not be broken regardless of how persistent society – known as the supervillain in this film – remains. Their strength is unlike anything else on the planet. Their resilience is their superpower because to constantly be subjected to ridicule and outright intolerable disrespect, they persevere in hopes for a better tomorrow, which is admirable.
The world has grown so accustomed to mistreating Black women that it has created the expectation that Black women are supposed to be and inherently are strong. Black women are not supposed to complain because they were not built to, as history has shown. However, underneath the strength and humility lie actual unfathomable pain and hurt that would destroy any average person. Sure, Black women do not have the luxury of possessing superpowers such as telepathy, the ability to fly or teleport. Their resilience and strength, however, give fictional superheroes like Hawk Girl and Wonder Woman a run for their money.
Content Trademarked by LaShea Johnson
The Art of Finesse
Imagine growing up during a time where arguably, music was at its prime. The musical era of the ‘90s exploded with pop music, alternative music and rap filled with an influx of one-hit wonders and a few breakout artists. These breakout artists include N’Sync, Britney Spears, and Destiny’s Child who quickly became established. Imagine growing up, witnessing the pinnacle of shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Friends that played a role in society and are still influential. Merchandise continues to be sold in stores and reruns of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Friends continue to air. One could argue that television and music during the ‘90s embraced more of pop culture. The ‘90s era helped to rid the boundaries between modern and classical styles by blending elements like rap music and painting. In 2018, throwbacks and nostalgia of the ‘90s became the new trend. Music that resembled beats from the ‘90s came back, along with fashion clothing that became a clear indication of appropriation. One example of rearticulating signs that once existed is Bruno Mars’ music video for his song, Finesse, featuring Cardi B. He successfully appropriates the ‘90s comedy sketch, In Living Color, in his music video, Finesse. Through the intro in the music video, costumes, choreography and the set, Finesse makes the audience relive In Living Color. Finesse proves that appropriation not only recreates but reimagines the ‘90s era.
Vibrant, colorful, and reminiscent are just a few words to describe Bruno Mars’ video for Finesse. The video was sentimental. It reminds viewers of a simpler time when all one had to do to have fun was play in paint and perform dance routines. Finesse brought nostalgia. The song played everywhere on the radio and topped the charts. The costumes, though clearly inspired by the ‘90s, were iconic and popular that it inspired that year’s Halloween costumes. At the end of the video, Bruno Mars and his entourage even pay homage to In Living Color at 3:37 to 3:40 as the caption reads, “Dedicated to In Living Color.” Not only does Bruno Mars acknowledge that he successfully appropriated In Living Color, but he also gave the ‘90s sketch comedy series a shout out. The iconography of In Living Color was a statement that Bruno Mars reiterated in Finesse. The music video went on to be nominated for numerous accolades like a Grammy award, MTV Video Music Award, American Music Award, BET and Soul Train award. In Living Color was a comedic escape from reality for 25 minutes. Finesse mixed comedy with fun and music for a much shorter time and still achieved the same goal. Through the intro in the music video, choreography, costumes and the set, Finesse accomplished a reliving of the glory days of In Living Color but also incorporated its own flare. Therefore, Finesse solidified its status as a successful form of appropriation.
Content Trademarked by LaShea Johnson
Blackfish - A Thesis Excerpt
It was the fall of 2018 when a Swedish girl named Emma began trending everywhere on social media outlets. The app where she was especially popular was Instagram. Upon clicking on Emma’s Instagram profile, the viewer scrolls down to assess her pictures. At first glance, Emma is the typical beautiful young girl. At first glance, Emma attracts a spotlight. At first glance, Emma appears Black or of mixed-race descent with Black. Her hair is big, brown, and curly. Her lips are full and plush. Her hips are wide and thick accompanied with a large behind. Scrolling further, the viewer sees Emma’s Instagram comments filled with an overabundance of compliments, enough to boost any ego and self-confidence. The Internet praises her on her natural beauty. Strangers tell her she is immaculate and unique. Young girls aspire to be like Emma because from an outsider’s perspective, Emma has it all – beauty, resources and an already large following that increases more each day. Emma is her own celebrity. Occasionally, trolls - the people whose sole purpose is to write unnecessary negative comments and spam - take over comments on Emma’s photos. However, one comment sticks out more than usual. Then, another troll echoes the same vain on a different photo. Eventually, a string of comments by trolls takes over Emma’s comments altogether, accusing Emma of Blackfishing. Blackfishing is derived from catfishing - the act of using another person’s photos online to intentionally deceive the public and portray a lie. Catfishing means to be someone else entirely. Blackfishing means to portray an online persona as a Black, African, African American person to deceive the public. This project examines work by well-established Black artists that focus on the features of Black people, specifically Black women, that send the rest of the Western world in a frenzy. The research performed in this paper supports a larger project that follows a young woman, like Emma, who preys on the hottest social media trends to better her own self-esteem. It just so happens that aspects of Black culture are what is trending.
Content Trademarked by LaShea Johnson