Who I am and why I’m here

Funny enough, I’ve never written an introductory post on this blog. Sure, I’ve written many actual posts where in which I dive right into  cultural criticism, diasporic writings and art, but I figure I should provide some context about who I am and why I write. So, here I am making the gesture now. I’m a little Canadian woman living in Toronto. I study Criticism and Curatorial Practice with two minors in Digital and Media Studies and Integrated Media. I have a particular fixation on cultural hybridity and notions of escapism. I write because I believe we all have a voice that needs to be heard. I write about marginalized voices and groups to cast a light on dark spaces. I’m black, and majority of the time that affects my point of view, especially when it comes to prejudice. My skin colour, however should not automatically prefix my work: When I write a critical review I am not doing so as a BLACK critic–I think its interesting that to some my blackness gives me a level of credibility, while to others its the worse thing I could be. Both perspectives reveal about he person than they do about me.

I’m not as political as I wish I were, but I identify myself as a Liberal, if not NDP. I’m a pro-choice, feminist who can’t stand white feminism and couldn’t go through an abortion. I like dark chocolate and vegetarianism, and I will never eat meat ever again. I write because I’m fascinated with my environment and documentation. I don’t like when people mistake “whiny” when they mean “oppressive.” I have no time for racism, sexism, islamaphobia or homophobia. I like cats, but dogs are cool too. I’d like to think if myself as a normal girl, or a neo-post-modernist, with strong opinions on colonization and imperialism. In six months I want to be writing more essays about cultural theory for this blog, as well as more reviews on films, exhibitions and events. Famous Last Words is my online diary/anthology about things I’ve felt/feel. In my writing, I hope to promote a place for conversation and acceptance. I am a melting pot, so please leave your ignorance, prejudice and boredom at the door– there’s no place for it here.