Xerox Project

I have to say I had a lot of fun making this one.

I used the Xerox machine in outside the Vaughn computer lab to scan myself as well as my friend. I found it rather humorous because there were people working on papers in the computer lab who kept looking at us like we were crazy. This staring was the most obvious when i had my friend copy her stomach. The machine was too tall for her to just lean over it so she had to climb on a box next to the copier and actually lie on top of it. I think for all the effort it turned out really well.

Archetype vs. Stereotype

There is a thin line between and archetype and a stereotype. It seems that the main difference between the two is that an archetype is an unconscious generalization everyone is born with while a stereotype is a generalization built into us by society. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of an archetype is "a perfect example of something," or "the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies." In turn, the definition of a stereotype is "to believe unfairly that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same." So while an archetype is just the quintessence of something a stereotype is a harsh and unfair grouping given by society. It seems that through both of these words we, as a society, tend to have to group things together to give a greater understanding. Not only this, but we also have to have a quintessential object or idea that defines the others as "not so good." As a society we build up perceptions and strive to be the archetype of that perception. However, when you stop to think about it, it is just as unfair as a stereotype. In a way we are putting ourselves in a position to be stereotyped. We don't realize it at first but the archetype that society makes is near impossible and we rip ourselves apart with the realization that we will never be there. Instead we need to put these groupings aside and just strive to be who we truly are. Being true to yourself is the only way to be happy in a society that feeds off of the misery of its own people. If you are not striving for the archetype you cant really be stereotyped because you are your own person. You wont be a "perfect" fit in any stereotypical group and will never truly be able to be placed there. 

Thoughts on Sheryl Oring's "I Wish to Say"

Sheryl Oring's performance art entitled "I Wish to Say" gives people who would not usually speak up a voice that will be heard. Oring sets up a table with a typewriter, sits down, and waits for people to come to her. In this performance she types letters verbatim for the people who participate and sends them to the President. In this way she gets to learn a little bit about each individual who sits down across from her. She also gets to help them in a way, although minute, that leaves a huge impression on the participant. They get to see that there are good people in the world; people that really do care. Sometimes it means everything just to know that a complete stranger wants to help you. Oring may have just come up with the idea as an unusual situation for an art piece, but she really is changing the perceptions of those she helps along with how they feel. She is making a huge statement by creating a collective voice of the people, similar to that of the Presidency. (or at least how it should work) Oring as one person gathers the thoughts of a community and presents them by sending them to the White House in order to make a larger impact. One voice may be strong but more than one collectively working together is stronger.