For the final RCL post, I have chosen to analyze this image and the emotional impact that it has on the viewers. The image was shot by the photographer Laurel Chor for Getty Images. The protest took place in Hong Kong in 2019 to protest the government’s ban on face masks. 

In this post, I will be analyzing the construction of the image, the focus, and the surroundings. For construction, we can clearly see the focus of this image is what appears to be an Asian woman in a white shirt. She is raising her hand in protest, wearing a mask, a clean white t-shirt, and her face has the expression of pain and discomfort. 

To start, the image’s composition is striking. The Asian woman is placed at the center of the image, which speaks volumes to the situation that the world was in at the time. It is unclear whether this photo was staged or not, regardless, the woman’s positioning in the center of the frame, surrounded by the blurred crowd of people behind her creates a dynamic background to the image and adds depth to the narrative that the image is striving to push. Specifically the narrative, that the focus is tired and emotionally strained by the condition of the world. It also speaks to how she is directly impacted by the condition of the world and evokes readers to feel similar emotions to hers. 

Furthermore, the woman’s choice to wear a mask symbolizes her protest against the government’s ban on the usage of face masks. This exhibits defiance from the woman in the center, but also from all of the others who surround her and can be seen behind her. The clean white shirt that she is wearing also differs strongly from the dark and chaotic looking background that engulfs her. The choice in color may symbolize that despite the intense emotions and turbulent emotions for the time, she is a source of innocence and strength; a source that will not be silenced by the government or other entities. 

In addition, the woman’s clear expression of pain and discomfort conveys a ray and unfiltered emotion that can be felt by viewers. It is clear that her discomfort is not only physical, but emotional and psychological as well. The emotion of her face invites viewers to empathize with the protesting woman and allows us to build a somewhat personal connection with her. Furthermore, the other faces in the image are blurred out and unclear to the eye. The background individuals are faceless, which leads me to assume that they may all be expressing similar discomfort to the protester who we can see. Thus leading us to believe that the discomfort and need to protest is not just about one person, but a collective struggle. 

All in all, the image uses symbolism, emotions, and construction to allow its viewers to feel the emotions of the protester and those around her. As a whole, the image conveys a powerful message about unity and strength and the importance of protesting and raising our voices against injustice. 

Hi everyone!!!

My first semester here at Penn State is officially coming to an end. I almost can’t believe it, but it’s true. The semester has flown by, been filled with ups and downs, random adventures, and crazy experiences. 

One thing that has consistently occurred throughout this semester has been writing these blog posts and doing a deep dive on each of the topics of my choosing. Initially, I was nervous about taking on this task. I had never done anything like it and wasn’t sure where I wanted to go with the blog. Despite my fears and worries, here I am at the end of the semester writing my final blog post. 

So, to recap, in my passion blog, I hoped to do a deep dive into the many different elements of Black American culture, Nigerian culture, and my own experiences, and compare and contrast the three from my perspective. This blog has given me the opportunity to learn so much more about topics I knew just a little bit about, and exponentially increase my knowledge on the topics. 

Across my passion posts, I analyzed: 

1. The differences between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation 
2. African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and its usage
3. The significance of Hair
4. The importance of jewelry in Yoruba and African American culture
5. Music and Dance in Yoruba and African American culture
6. Black Representation in the Media
7. The Divine 9 Fraternities and Sororities

Each of these topics have been so interesting to research, learn more about, and write posts on. I have also greatly enjoyed providing my personal experiences and taking on the topics I discussed. This opinion based writing towards the end of each of my posts provided me with the space to reflect on the information I wrote about. 

With this blog, my goal was always to complete all the necessary posts. But I have gained much more from the blogs. I’ve learned a lot more about Youruba culture, Black and Latino culture, as well as Black representation. All aspects that can help me improve as a person and make me more accepting and tolerant of people who are different from me. 

As enjoyable as it has been for me to write this blog, I hope that my readers are able to take something away from it. I hope that the blog has taught you something or simply allowed you to laugh while reading it. 

This is the end of this blog, but do not fret, as I will be back very soon. Next semester, I will be back with more information, blog posts, and content so stay tuned!!

A blog on the African American experience in the United States would certainly not be completed without a discussion on Greek Life and the Divine Nine. 

The Divine Nine is the name given to historically Black Greek-letter organizations. They hold a significant place in Black American history and culture and include the following organizations:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

These organizations were created at different times, different universities, and for different purposes. Despite this, they collectively offer Black college educated students across the United States the opportunity to experience a sense of community and pride in their Blackness. In addition to the brotherhood and sisterhood offered by these organizations, they are committed to making contributions to specific communities and society as a whole. 

Key pillar points of these organizations include service, social justice, and education as they reflect the determination and strength required by Black Americans throughout history to pave the path that we walk today. Collectively, these Divine Nine organizations have shaped and continue to shape Black culture and social ideals in the United States. 

So, you may be wondering what makes these organizations different from the other Greek organizations you may see on campus. For one, they are composed of majority Black men and women, a trend that is often not seen with other fraternities and sororities. There are several other differences between the two types of organizations, but one element that I wanted to focus on was strolling. 

If you are unfamiliar with what strolling is, it is an organized dance that is usually performed in a line which represents power and unification. Strolling is a right of passage for members of these fraternities and sororities and has been passed down for many years. It’s highly respected and not performed by members who are not part of these organizations. 

In the stroll, the specific movements and line formations typically hold historical value to the organization, however their specific meanings are often not shared with members outside of the organization. The kind of secrecy and tight knit information helps to create a closer community and develops a greater sense of trust between members in the organization.

As of now, I am not part of any of the Divine Nine organizations, however I do have connections to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc as my brother crossed into the organization earlier this year. The sense of community, brotherhood, and sisterhood that I have seen through these organizations is unlike anything I have ever seen before. The strolls performed at parties, cookouts, and large events are also super impressive and always fun to watch. 

These organizations have played a large role in Black culture in the US and my life in the past  year and I hope this has helped you learn a bit more about Greek Life for Black students!