Thesis
Weaving identities: connecting communities of Africa and the diaspora in the US
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Dec 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000322
Abstract
Africans and descendants of Africa within the Diaspora in the US have had historical challenges that have included miscommunication, stereotyping, trauma, and a disassociated sense of identity. In considering these issues, the following has emerged as an area of interest: by examining the different cultures within Africa and the Diaspora, there are challenging gaps that exist within and between them. Opportunities for bridging these gaps are found in creative spaces, an arena for building community, and shared experiences in this community. Storytelling in this creative space offers a way for the expression of identities in an open-minded setting. What better way to communicate these languages of identity and experience than through fashion? Personal expression and social movements have long been explored through fashion. Telling and sharing stories creates a collective identity within a community to bond and create shared meaning. This approach has been validated through human-centered investigative and expert interviews. Secondary research also reveals the value of creative space that deepens understanding and shapes self-worth. Therefore, we must ask the questions: Can symbol and pattern be useful in articulating individual and shared identities? How does co-creation form our conception of culture and lived experience? Can collaborative storytelling be a way to create a diverse understanding of different communities? The purpose of this research is to test how the use of storytelling through fashion and arts can be a useful tool to encourage collaboration and develop shared experiences that will deepen understanding and shape self-worth to build a stronger community.
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Details
- Title
- Weaving identities
- Creators
- Taiwo Abioye
- Contributors
- Ann I. Gerondelis (Advisor)Diana S. Nicholas (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 40 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Architecture, Design, and Urbanism; Design Research; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991014833546604721