[LOCKDOWN] An Overview of My Experiences

[Gena]

“The Hood”
In the month of September I visited a lower income area in downtown Toronto. As one would guess, it was definitely not the ideal place to live or be. Nonetheless, it was a mind opener for me to realize how drastically life styles and environments can change by just a thirty minute drive away from where I live. However, society has changed much from the olden days because now, where you come from does not necessarily define what or who you will be become. I noticed the only factor that really separated this area from my own was income level. I witnessed people spending time together and boys playing a game of basketball. I have experienced violence where I live too so that is not new to me. But while there, I found myself visualizing a lot. It soon became apparent to me that if all the buildings, and playgrounds were fixed up, and the people there were wearing what is considered ‘average’ attire, then no one would know any violence or anything of the sort existed within this area. And that is the problem with today’s society, because most of our judgments are based upon what we see right in front of us, and we have no desire to look beyond that.
Interview
My character is the stereotypical ‘black teenager’ with the desire to be a star. She gets into trouble, is loud, rebellious and believes she is always right and that no body can tell her what to do. So for my interview I talked with some girls who I believe are shockingly close to my character Shyla. I found out that one of them loves to cause drama, is not afraid to fight, smokes weed on the regular and is loud just to get attention because of how crazy things can sometimes be at home. Another wants to become something, but is scared to admit that she has goals because of how others will perceive her. The other experienced a parent in a unfathomable situation and I witnessed the real effects it had on her life. This experience definitely made me realize how complex people really are. I discovered many other details of their lives that I will be able to use to make my character deeper and more realistic.

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Posted By Gena to LOCKDOWN at 10/11/2008 07:28:00 PM