Sexual Identities

If I were approached by a student who came out to me I would try to be as supportive as possible. I would refer them to the guidance counselor because they may have more practice dealing with these situations. However, I would want the student to know that if they had any issues or needed to talk, my door would be open. If the student had not come out to family/friends I would let them know that I would keep what they told me confidential. I had a friend who was struggling with his sexuality in college, so I have some experience helping others dealing with identity issues. In order to make my room a safe space I would try to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Negative language of any kind would not be allowed and students would be expected to treat everyone with respect. When discussing artists both past and present I would include their sexuality to provide positive role models in the art world.

A couple well know GLBT artists that I would include would be Michelangelo and Andy Warhol.

Discrimination

I can't say that I have faced much discrimination in my life. I one time that I did feel like I was judged solely on where I came from was when I studied abroad. I was telling my friends that were from Las Vegas that my father was a farmer. One of the friends then ask why I wanted to study abroad? As if people who are from rural areas are closed minded and have no desire to see the world. I didn't really know what to say when she made the comment and I'm not really sure what I said in response. I tend to internalize things anyway so I did not make a big deal about it. Looking back I wish that I had defended myself and my background. A time when I discriminated against someone would be making assumptions about a person based on their political beliefs. I'm not proud about about making these assumptions and I continue to challenge myself to be open minded. I think that I can use both experiences in my classroom to remind me to learn about student before making judgements. Appearances can be deceiving and I don't want to count someone out based on initial impressions.

classroom rules and lesson plan

I'm going to create a lesson plan for communicating to a contemporaneous audience. This lesson revolves around students picking something unique to their generation. I chose this idea because I think that students can make it personal to their experience. The students may also take pride in making a piece of work that they understand but adults (parents and teachers) may not. I will teach this by introducing some contemporary artists that make work that addresses this topic. It may also be interesting to use work from past generations that is difficult to understand because it was part of a different generation. I want students to realize that they are part of a unique generation with its own special traits. I imagine that it may be difficult to get students to come with ideas that are unique to them. They may also have a difficult time incorporating their ideas into a project. I want to allow them to use different mediums, especially digital photography and imaging,because it represents modernity in art.

Crafting an Artistic Self

3a.
What do you do that makes you guilty? Lots of things! When I should be doing homework and I'm not. Anytime I choose to do something for myself instead of doing something for someone else..even if I deserve to.
What do you do that makes you feel worthy? When I do something for someone else and I can tell they appreciate it. The look that my Grandpa gives me that makes me feel I could do no wrong. Accomplishing something difficult.
What Makes you Laugh? My family, my friends, my dog Charlie. The office and other TV shows.
What Embarrasses you? Falling down
What infuriates you? People who are judgemental, LITTERING!, people who have no desire to learn about other cultures/countries, child and animal abusers, and the destruction of the rain forest.
What Thrills you? Travelling to other places, heights (even though they scare me), getting a good grade, seeing a member of my family really happy and my cabin in Minnesota.
What comforts you? Going home to visit! Mom, Dad and my cat. Being outdoors.
What makes you sad? Sappy movies, death, and seeing animals hurt/killed/die.
3b.
Words that describe me.
conventional, pragmatic, joyful, truthful, courageous, constant, insecure, modest, timid, progressive, opinionated, humorous, pious, cynic, idealist, coy, secretive, subtle, ethical, ambitious, polite passive, inactive, determined, group-centered, casual, stylized, anxious, cautious, stoic, shy, average.
3c.

Family: Daughter, Sister, Granddaughter
Gender: Female
Education: College Graduate
Sexual Orientation: Straight
Nationhood: American
Neighborhood: Swedesburg
Race: White
Body Type: Tall, Average
Preferred Leisure Activity: Photography
Political Belief: Liberal
Religious Affiliation: None
State of Heath: Healthy
Economic Status: Poor
Age:23
Generational Identity: gen-y?
Marital Status: Single
Diet: Not the best
Preferred Web Sites: Yahoo!, Hulu, Pandora
Taste in Music: Indie
Taste in Fashion: What I like
Taste in Art: I can enjoy almost anything.