On April 15th, 2009 I gave an interactive presentation on labeling and identity to a group of Students from Misericordia University. We utilized the body of artwork I produced around the subject and collaboratively compiled a list of negative labels that people have applied to us, that we have applied to others and that we have heard other people apply to various individuals and groups.
This group of students recently submitted their objective responses to this presentation to the professor who hosted it, Dr. Jim Calderone of the Social Work Department. He kindly passed the anonymous comments back to me for further review.
I am pleased to say the the artwork and accompanying presentation were very well received. Here are some quotes from the various students about how they were personally impacted:
"By looking at yourself, then the word, then yourself again, you are able to see what effects that word has on other people."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
"This exercise also made me think about how I feel when other people call me names."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
"I felt David Hage's presentation overall was one that can truly make a difference, and change how an individual acts."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
"I feel more efforts like David's should be continued throughout the country, and even throughout the world."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
"I enjoyed our speaker's presentation. I thought the mirrors were a great idea with the word attached at the bottom."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
"I left the class with a very different outlook on how I should use language. I will admit that I have used "retard" and "gay" in a negative way while speaking to my friends, without thinking of the true meaning behind such words. The presentation showed me that regardless of what people I am around, I need to think about my word choices and refrain from using such terms."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
"Looking into a mirror is something people usually do to check their appearance, but David Hage gave looking into a mirror a totally different perspective."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
"I know this reflection experiment moved me, and I am glad that I got the chance to participate in it because I don't think I ever could have felt what it's like to be called retard or the "N" word until it was thrown right in front of me."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
"David Hage's looking in the mirror technique makes you really think about what you say to other people and just how hurtful words can be."
-Anonymous Misericordia University Student
The list goes on and you get the idea. Words are powerful. My hope is that we all take a bit ore time to consider how the language we choose can significantly impact others.
To view the Reflections: An Integrative Examination of Labeling & Identity gallery click here.
This project was supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency, through its regional arts funding partnership, Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA). State government funding for the arts depends upon annual appropriation by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. PPA is administered in this region by the Scranton Area Foundation.
