Valedictory Progress Check

The aim of my concentration is to create a series of social issue advertisements addressing the modern day issue of cultural appropriation. Race Relations defines cultural appropriation as "typically involving members of a dominant group exploiting the culture of less privileged groups — often with little understanding of the latter’s history, experience and traditions" (racerelations.about.com). Although I have not personally been affected by cultural appropriation, I have seen it and the negative effects that come with it pervade the world around me. Many of my friends have been offended and hurt by acts of cultural appropriation in their lives and I want to help them share their opinions on the subject with people who are not as educated about it. I want to create serious and visually appealing ads that confront the negative racial and ethnic connotations behind acts of cultural appropriation. I want to share my friend's stories and help people realized that this is not a harmless practice and understand the consequences these actions have on other people.