Pass the Mic is a proposed all-day storytelling event which seeks to listen and value marginalized voices and their stories in Australia. After critically analyzing the work of Hage and Alcoff two strengths can be recognized in the proposal. First ‘Pass the Mic’ allows for those who are typically spoken for, to have a space where they can speak for themselves. Second, the proposal was strong in addressing integration not toleration. On the other hand, Ahmed, Hall and Moreton-Robinson’s work help identify the key problems of ‘Pass the Mic’. By stating in the proposal that the is diverse and that its partcipants are “the chosen” ones our event allows the presence of racial others, which exposes whiteness as to those who are ‘already in place’
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In ‘Good White Nationalists: The Tolerant Society as a White Fantasy’, Hage argues that even though tolerance is “perceived as a morally 'good' practice, it is structurally similar to the 'evil' nationalist practices of exclusion.” (Hage 1998, p.) When space is left to ask who is being asked to ‘tolerate’ and who is being ‘tolerated’, then there is no inclusion present only exclusion. Toleration creates oppression as it keeps the ‘tolerated’ from speaking their truth by blocking their emotions and forcing them to show a happy front in a space they are being invited to. ‘Pass the Mic’ integrates by giving marginalized voices the center stage. ‘Pass the Mic’ does not aim to make feel those sharing their stories as guest. Instead, the project aims to make them feel at home. That is why the team proposes for the event to be held at Redfern community Center, a center known for hosting cultural based events. Our project hopes to create a safe space where the stories shared create a sense of understanding and connection between all Australians. The goal of the project is that through the sharing of stories there is an increase sense of belonging within these …show more content…
Diversity as a term signifies the presence of others around those who are already in charge. This creates a problem. In her work, Sarah Ahmed concludes that diversity becomes a technology for not hearing (citation). The use of the word ‘diversity’ becomes a marketing appeal and creates a beautiful image for the event. Despite its glittery appearance, diversity fails to recognize the real objectives of ‘Pass the Mic’—listen to what the marginalized voices have to say in Australia. Even if ‘Pass the Mic’ does succeed in achieving its goals, the use of the term ‘diversity’ presents the project as one that cares more of its image rather than nurturing cultural identities through storytelling. Therefore, the event runs the risk of pushing away strong voices and stories who must be heard to start an enriching outlet for the discussion of discrimination in
In ‘Good White Nationalists: The Tolerant Society as a White Fantasy’, Hage argues that even though tolerance is “perceived as a morally 'good' practice, it is structurally similar to the 'evil' nationalist practices of exclusion.” (Hage 1998, p.) When space is left to ask who is being asked to ‘tolerate’ and who is being ‘tolerated’, then there is no inclusion present only exclusion. Toleration creates oppression as it keeps the ‘tolerated’ from speaking their truth by blocking their emotions and forcing them to show a happy front in a space they are being invited to. ‘Pass the Mic’ integrates by giving marginalized voices the center stage. ‘Pass the Mic’ does not aim to make feel those sharing their stories as guest. Instead, the project aims to make them feel at home. That is why the team proposes for the event to be held at Redfern community Center, a center known for hosting cultural based events. Our project hopes to create a safe space where the stories shared create a sense of understanding and connection between all Australians. The goal of the project is that through the sharing of stories there is an increase sense of belonging within these …show more content…
Diversity as a term signifies the presence of others around those who are already in charge. This creates a problem. In her work, Sarah Ahmed concludes that diversity becomes a technology for not hearing (citation). The use of the word ‘diversity’ becomes a marketing appeal and creates a beautiful image for the event. Despite its glittery appearance, diversity fails to recognize the real objectives of ‘Pass the Mic’—listen to what the marginalized voices have to say in Australia. Even if ‘Pass the Mic’ does succeed in achieving its goals, the use of the term ‘diversity’ presents the project as one that cares more of its image rather than nurturing cultural identities through storytelling. Therefore, the event runs the risk of pushing away strong voices and stories who must be heard to start an enriching outlet for the discussion of discrimination in