Invented Culture
Anti-Bullying Culture
In my 3D Art-Making Across Cultures class, we have been prompted to invent a culture that addresses a social or cultural issue. I chose to focus on an anti-bullying culture. Unfortunately, bullying is a common issue that is found in many K-12 classrooms. Bullying can come in many different forms and it can be direct or indirect. The common forms found in K-12 classrooms are physical bullying, verbal bullying, relationship bullying, and cyberbullying. However, bullying is not only limited to K-12 students. Bullying can be the result of even bigger issue: discrimination. We can find all types of discrimination in schools, at work, at home, on the street, or even at your local grocery store. Discrimination can also lead to oppression. Throughout history we have seen all kinds of hurtful and aggressive behavior whether it was physical, verbal, emotional, or mental.
After reading and watching the news about the current COVID-19 pandemic, I realized that unjust behavior is still very prominent during this time. Seeing countless victims of xenophobia made me fear for my family, my friends, and myself because of what we look like. People can only see the outer-layer. This led me to think deeply about how discrimination, bullying, and oppression can be stopped in my invented culture.
The World:
My invented culture takes place in an alternate universe. The world itself is similar to ours with an abundance of fields, forests, hills, mountains, etc. It is very colorful, lush, and beautiful. The world has no name.
The People:
The people in my culture have no gender, color, age, face, or skin. Their bodies are clear and bubble-like. Only the interior body systems and organs are visible. My inspiration for my people came from the Bodies Exhibition. Underneath our skin, humans all basically look the same. Humans are usually made up of blood, organs, and tissues. I thought that if everyone looks the same on the inside there might not be any issues with discrimination in my culture. Although the people have no face or colors to identify themselves visually, the people can communicate telepathically and feel the emotions of others.
The Monster:
The monster that lurks in this world is a ferocious bully. It’s skin is colorful and can camouflage. It’s eye is like a disco ball and made up of reflective mirrors. My idea of mirrors came from the idea that sometimes it is you yourself that can be a bully to others.
The Artifacts:
The people in my invented culture wear protective outer-layers that they can zip on and off. Everyone has the same grey zipper suit. This is an important out-layer that protects the people’s vulnerable “insides”. The people also have the choice to wear a mask if they choose to portray emotion. Handheld mirrors are also important items that these people carry at all times. Whenever the bully monster comes lurking around, the people are able to use it to defend themselves. The mirror can be held up to the bully’s eye and the reflection scares it away.
