My Identity Through Images

My name is Samantha Martins, I am a 4th year student here at Rhode Island College. Outside of class I like to travel, explore new locations, spend time with my family and friends, play with my sweet dog Tucker, and learning through others. I grew up in Bristol, Rhode Island where I spent most of my childhood either dancing or around my family. I probably had a couple school friends but never fit in well enough to hangout with anyone really beyond that. It definitely was a humbling experience going into high school because even though I was around the same kids I have grown up with the dynamic really changed. We were kind of almost forced to accept and surround ourselves with one another which made me a lot more comfortable in school and start to actually make friends. Before COVID came and took away a lot such as our gradation and these friendships that I came a long way and worked for I fell back into my regular routine of only really spending time with my family. Coming to college and moving away from home leaving behind my mom, dad, and brother (and Tucker) was a big deal for me, but as a first generation student my mom wanted me to have the opportunity to experience the college lifestyle. I am very content where I am now. Four years later I learned a lot, lost a lot, and grown the most. I cannot wait to see where this chapter flourishes to!

My Identity Through Words

After reading "This Book Is Anti-Racist" by Jewell and Durand really shares a clean and concise definition of what anti-racism is and how there are multiple components within it. Anti-racism is actively working against racism. It discusses how "we get free for centuries of living in a racialized society that keeps us separate and oppressed." I feel as though that quote highlights the true definition of anti-racism and how it has sculpted the society we are currently living in. Social media has been a huge part in spreading awareness on racially motivated acts and cruelty and to educate all people on all identities, races, and current news that should be heard. This reading was very telling on different people and or characters and their experiences as youth. 

In the song "Same Love" by Macklemore it tells a bigger story of someone coming out. It discusses someones story where it talks about how they "can't change even if I tried, even if I wanted to." this actually changed a viewpoint for a lot of people and it influenced a good amount of people to be more accepting of people in the LGBTQA+ community and show people some of the hardships people face within their coming out journeys.

Same Love

by: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0

Another song that demonstrates the mission of this read is the song "Where Is The Love?" by the Black Eyed Peas where they talk about discrimination, hate, racism, terrorism, and other forms of expressed criticisms of social ills.

Where Is The Love?

by: Black Eyed Peas

Ihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYeekQkAdc