The Uncanny

For this blog prompt, I automatically think of films that have robots not as props but characters. Films like Star Wars, Wall-E, Interstellar, Big Hero 6 all have in common that the robots are mostly used for what humans cannot do or to assist them in some way. Yet, it never fails that the humans develop feelings for their robot buddies. In these examples, it is not a romantic feeling but of feelings of care. (Spoiler Alert!) As in the newest movie, Big Hero 6, the beloved Baymax sacrifices himself for Hiro. Hiro is deeply saddened to have lost Baymax but Baymax cannot be sad. He is simply caring for his patient and does not grasp that if he leave Hiro will be sad. Same goes for the audience, honestly I was getting teary-eyed in this scene. These feelings were the same as when another beloved character dies in the movie but it did not feel "uncanny" because a person was lost rather than a robot. A robot can be easily replaced if you have the right materials. Even having a phrase or button to push to turn off these robots is another kind of "almost but not quite human or alive" example. Yet it is so easy to become attached to these characters as though they were actual people. I think this is a valuable tool to use to invoke attachment and it has worked so far! I wonder if there will be a time when it is no longer considered creepy to find yourself sad when a robot that has no feelings is lost or gone?

Connections to Empathy

Finding connections in theatre is essentially what makes theatre empathetic. As humans the way we interact and connect with each other is by similarities and differences we find in one another. When a play is relatable to the audience in a sense shows real life examples and solutions to what is actually going on in the community, then there is more room for empathy. We live in a time where we are the center of our own universe, take for example a selfie. The turn of the camera to capture yourself in any environment is what our generation and the next ones will be known for. By expanding our viewpoint and seeing others problems and success, we will be able to relate to one other. Through these relations it would be easier to have continuing dialogue and bring about a change, first in our own lives, then in the lives around us. There’s a point when theatre no longer evokes conversation and action, or even a desire for change, that I would see it not being the answer when faced with issues such as war, oppression, and genocide.

As for Invisible Theatre, I do see it as a successful way of getting people involved that otherwise would not be. Looking back at the last group’s experiment, there were many times I would get agitated and make conversation with the person next to me or desire to get up and shut certain people up (mainly Scott). Yet, I did not do the latter except vocalize towards his direction but did not make much of a difference. It got me involved but I wonder what something more would have received a stronger reaction from not just me but the rest of the class. 

Post #9 Activism

Access to Basic Needs: Food and Water and Shelter

The basic essentials of a human's life is food, water and shelter. Without any of these how is one expected to live and contribute to their community, family, world. My focus would most likely be worldwide since in developing countries there are higher rates of people living without these needs met. Though I dare not turn an eye from Louisiana or Baton Rouge specifically. A few semesters ago I volunteered at a food bank with my class. Yet, this food bank was unlike anything I had ever seen. The unusual name, Client Choice Food Pantry, is part of Hope Ministries that serves as an actual pantry.

For my activism, not only to bring awareness of this urgent need, whether here in BR or abroad, I would use their model of the food pantry. It is simply a room stocked with all kinds of food items. The people who come in to "shop" are given a basket and a list of what items are available that day. This allows for the people to have a sense of dignity that they are not just being given food because they cannot afford it, but are able to choose what their families and themselves actually need. Even at the end of their shopping trip there is a small counter and register where I volunteer (like myself) would "check out" their items. I think having pantries like this in more common places (though it could be costly) would serve as a type of protest. It could also serve as a way for the community to join and serve each other.

I would definitely want the media to be utilized. Actually, while I was there volunteering a local news reports was there filming and interviewing the clients and volunteers. I remember seeing myself on the news later that night as I served as a mock cashier. By using the media the word about the locations of these pantries would be easy access and would draw more people into just knowing about this place, whether they are in need or want to volunteer.

For the last question, I do not think this protest would ever really end until there is access for everyone to the basic necessities of a human life. The issue of poverty has always been something I have sought to change or to help in any way. Though there are many many factors that lead to poverty that I know this only type of activism simply would not end it.

Here is a link to Hope Ministries. It is truly a great place and they are actually helping people.
http://hopebr.org/client-choice-food-pantry.html