Claiming Identity
The following is an extract from a student who is recording the process being undertaken for the Year 12 Creative Armoury Project
"Today we had English. Heather took the opportunity to take all of the Year 12's to the library. We sat in the class area, all wondering what we had done wrong. It turned out that she wanted to get our minds thinking, wanted to get us started with our mannequins.
Heather explained the situation of being in concentration camps like those described in 'Night', a book written by Ellie Wiesel. We had to make a list of things we would take from home if our neighbourhood was being cleared out. On my list I had
* Paper and Pen
* Discman and C.D's
* My Clarinet
* My red glittery jacket
* Jeans
We were then asked to describe how we would feel in a small confined place with lots of people. We had to look around and note what was happening to everyone. Guards came around to collect things of any value, such as jewellery and electricals. They took away my discman. I lost a lot less than others.
Now it was time to hop on to the bus to be transported further away. No bags were allowed just stuff that fits in our pockets and clothes that were on us. I was now left with the clothes on me, wishfully thinking that my paper and pen would fit in my pocket.
Once we got to the concentration camps we were split up from our families and friends. Usually this process left the girls going one way and the boys the other. Most of the time we were left with people who we did not know very well. However, we might find that our neighbour, a teacher or our brothers footy coach was there too - all in the same situation.
Then it was time for a shower. We were told that we had to strip down to nothing, leaving everything behind. When we came out of the shower we were left to put on something that covers everything that is necessary. Every single one of us look exactly the same. No one has more power than the others.
So what is it now that gets me through all this? Knowing that I have memories of the past, the support of a few of the people who I know and the knowledge that everyone is in the same situation helps.
Lastly we are asked to think about what we would do if the guard came in selecting more people to take away. "Where are you going to stand so that you are not the chosen one?"we were asked.
Personally I know I would want to go and hide in a corner but I figure I will be noticed more so I decided that in the middle of the crowd, just blending in and doing what they are doing. Then we are asked how we would feel if were in there for months even years. What would our thoughts be? How would we keep going? I decided that keeping positive and just knowing that I'll be out of there soon could help.
Then we had to consider how to express this on our mannequin. By the end of this task I had more ideas for my mannequin. These
included:
* Collect nice writing paper ~ I love to write it gets me through my tough times.
* Music ~ some how have music notes
* Dancing ~ collect material, sparkling things, sequins
* Mind ~ thinking something like a brain with little bubbles coming out for thoughts."
The following is an extract from a student who is recording the process being undertaken for the Year 12 Creative Armoury Project
"Today we had English. Heather took the opportunity to take all of the Year 12's to the library. We sat in the class area, all wondering what we had done wrong. It turned out that she wanted to get our minds thinking, wanted to get us started with our mannequins.
Heather explained the situation of being in concentration camps like those described in 'Night', a book written by Ellie Wiesel. We had to make a list of things we would take from home if our neighbourhood was being cleared out. On my list I had
* Paper and Pen
* Discman and C.D's
* My Clarinet
* My red glittery jacket
* Jeans
We were then asked to describe how we would feel in a small confined place with lots of people. We had to look around and note what was happening to everyone. Guards came around to collect things of any value, such as jewellery and electricals. They took away my discman. I lost a lot less than others.
Now it was time to hop on to the bus to be transported further away. No bags were allowed just stuff that fits in our pockets and clothes that were on us. I was now left with the clothes on me, wishfully thinking that my paper and pen would fit in my pocket.
Once we got to the concentration camps we were split up from our families and friends. Usually this process left the girls going one way and the boys the other. Most of the time we were left with people who we did not know very well. However, we might find that our neighbour, a teacher or our brothers footy coach was there too - all in the same situation.
Then it was time for a shower. We were told that we had to strip down to nothing, leaving everything behind. When we came out of the shower we were left to put on something that covers everything that is necessary. Every single one of us look exactly the same. No one has more power than the others.
So what is it now that gets me through all this? Knowing that I have memories of the past, the support of a few of the people who I know and the knowledge that everyone is in the same situation helps.
Lastly we are asked to think about what we would do if the guard came in selecting more people to take away. "Where are you going to stand so that you are not the chosen one?"we were asked.
Personally I know I would want to go and hide in a corner but I figure I will be noticed more so I decided that in the middle of the crowd, just blending in and doing what they are doing. Then we are asked how we would feel if were in there for months even years. What would our thoughts be? How would we keep going? I decided that keeping positive and just knowing that I'll be out of there soon could help.
Then we had to consider how to express this on our mannequin. By the end of this task I had more ideas for my mannequin. These
included:
* Collect nice writing paper ~ I love to write it gets me through my tough times.
* Music ~ some how have music notes
* Dancing ~ collect material, sparkling things, sequins
* Mind ~ thinking something like a brain with little bubbles coming out for thoughts."
