ENG 201 was a course that really opened by eyes to a lot of issues that were going on in the world. When I first registered for the class, my initial reaction was “prepare to write many long research paper and read long boring articles” little did I know that I will be doing neither. Throughout the course of the semester every assignment that I did made me gain insight on the issues that surround me. When my colleagues presented their digital justice issue projects was when I really saw that many injustices that are still prevalent in the United States and the world which made me want to be part of the change.
One of the major projects that were done in this ENG 201 course was on a digital justice issue/problem. I decided to do it on the movement #WhyIDidn'tReport which discusses the issue of sexual assault and the impunity that surrounds the issue. I strongly believe that government is not doing enough for the survivors of this issue. Sexual assault crimes are the one of many that go unsolved either because of “lack of evidence” or simply because the survivor is unable to vividly remember details of the assault that may contribute nothing at all in solving the crime. At first it was intimidating presenting such a delicate topic to a group of students whom I had no idea what their feelings were on the topic but once I began presenting and expressing my thoughts and opinions that fear vanished. I began to think that I was passionate on the topic and in order to be part of the change I must begin a conversation and inform people that this is a huge problem that affects our nation up to this day. The one thing that I liked best about my presentation was that I was able to share with a group of students topic that is not commonly spoken about. Also, through the information that I provided I was able to explain the magnitude of the issue and potential steps to try and put an end to this global problem. From my colleagues I learned that awareness is the first step to put an end to an issue. If you are unaware of what is going on in the world you live in, how are you going to be able to contribute to a positive change?
The one thing that stands out to me about all of the presentations that I saw was that in some way, Each and every topic was connected. It involved inhumane actions and the most important solution to the social issues was simple, HUMANITY.
For the second essay I chose to focus on the term ‘feminism’. Many have preconceived notions as to what the term actually means and more times than not they are wrong. It is common for people to picture feminists to be angry women who hate men who in reality are just fighting for equity. Women and men alike who want a change for women in this country. Individuals who believe that there are still many things to be done in order change the way gender is utilized to measure potential and worthiness. The designing of my page represents what feminism is by showcasing the strength that women possess through art work as well as their thoughts and contributions on the topic. This is indeed my favorite part of this subpage.
The third essay that I wrote was about impunity that accompanies sexual assault. Many are quick to judge women that are survivors of sexual assault instead of offering support on this very serious issue. Perpetrators who commit such acts get away with them because some women are either afraid of what may come as a result of speaking up, lack of evidence, or simply just being fearful that their testimonies will not be “believable”. The thing that I like most about this webpage is the video that I included of The Real Daytime Co-Host Jeannie Mai who uses her voice to get other women to also use their voices and stand up for their rights as a woman. She emphasizes the importance of using our voices to protect ourselves from those who only want to do us harm. The design of this page showcases through the pictures and quotes that having a voice is essential. It also illustrates that Not One More will be tolerated and there will be an end.
My hopes for this website is to shine a light on a topic that many are afraid to touch and speak about. I believe that no matter how “delicate” a topic may seem it is very important to have conversations and move towards change because nothing will ever get done. I was unfamiliar how to do design a website and when I began to design this one I did not think that I was going to be able to finish. With the help of my colleagues and professor I was able to learn how to use my writings and bring them to life with pictures, videos and quotes that complement them. All of us put a lot of effort in the creation of our websites and within my group our own website but I would have to say that Ivy’s pages were very pleasing to look at. Her pages include a lot of visuals that enhance her writings and engage whoever it is that is browsing through her page. Web Designing is something that is not easy and I have gained respect for those that do it and do it well. One thing that I learned about myself while doing digital design is that it is not for me although I did enjoy it for the duration of the process.
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." -Seneca