Illustration for a class zine where a character travels to a parallel universe where she is freed from systematic sexism and racism in our current world
In our "New Media for Social Change" class, we imagined a new society where the concept of gender and race disappeared. Difference is not erased, but recognized, as we are appreciated for who we are on the inside, than our appearances. Within our class, we created characters in this new society. This is Susan Ryu, an Asian-American single mom had a glimpse into the new parallel universe.
In a parallel universe, there was a catastrophic event that leveled the playing field; with the destruction of the known world came the destruction of existing power structures and systems. The disaster didn’t result in an immediate, radical shift in people’s thoughts in regards to race and gender, but over time, as they became united rebuilding the world—social interactions changed and a new society, founded not on race or gender but rather on what a person could contribute was born.
Witnessing this new world freed Susan from systematic sexism and racism in the corporate workplace as well as from the stigma of being a single mother. As both a woman of color and a single parent, she was a victim to layers of prejudice and stereotypes. In this new world she has been faced with a bigger acceptance and lab oral rewards because of her hard work and not because of her gender and looks. She has changed the way she sees herself as well, getting rid of many beauty standards that she once payed more attention to. She has grown as a person to a point where she embraces who she is and her decisions.
Our full zine, where you can read more about Susan's life and changes
