It was a link on Twitter yesterday morning that led me to this good bye post and reflection from OHBIJOU.Written by Casey Mecija, it is titled "Goodbye Ohbijou: Notes on music, labour, and the impossibilities of satisfying multicultural ideals in Canada (http://www.ohbijou.com/news.html). I realize this may not be the read that my senior high school students expect next week . And it wasn't what I expected when I first read it. I had expected announcements of babies and responsibilities causing the band's hiatus. Everyone grows up at some point, right? And in some ways, my assumption might be right. Mecija mentions that there is: ... a larger conversation to be had about the labour of producing music and the changing patterns of consumption in the contemporary moment. Outside of the safety of commercial success, as the internet changes our interactions with music and consumptive patterns, it is a difficult existence. It is difficult to support and tour with such a large band. Touring as an independent Canadian band is extremely difficult and often in trying to hold onto to the integrity of one's music, you submit yourself to an unstable life because of a lack of financial resources. Having babies and maintaining partnerships just doesn't work well for most musicians. Mecija's reflection on the impact of the internet changing the economics and production of music is an obvious and safe connection to Communications Technology . But, upon reading this post, I think it is an important entry into a discussion that I am sure will uncover my own "well-intentioned" but possibly "racist consumption of [Ohbijou's] music". Mecija writes about the resentment she has from how the band has been 'sutured to notions of multiculturalism' in the media. I felt pain rise from her words on the screen and found it is a hard read on many levels. Reading it makes me wonder how have I addressed multiculturalism in the media production through my teaching. Do I gloss over the gaps in policy and production and provide a simple narrative of why we should all love multiculturalism? Do I 'whitewash' my material so that it only reflects certain 'cultural' norms that don't always reflect the interests or needs of my students? Do I ever go deep enough or far enough into a discussion to allow my students to struggle with ideas around representation of gender, class, race and the intersections that exist? Am I too afraid to have these discussions because I feel unsafe or unsure how to handle unexpected reactions? How much do I recognize my own hidden "well-intentioned" racist attitudes and allow myself to be vulnerable? Mecija's post calls out the racism in our society and how it is perpetuated by independent and mainstream media. It makes me re-recognize some of the failures and missteps multiculturalism in Canadian society. And I am left at the beginning of this year, reconsidering my role as an educator in a diverse, democratic society. Want to Explore More Multiculturalism and Canada and how it relates to Media Production: Government Statement: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/citizenship.asp Multiculturalism in Canadian Broadcasting by Jennifer Betrand (web article) This article references key shifts in broadcasting practice as influenced by a multicultural policy. Selling Illusions by Neil Bissoondath (book) This 1988 book presents arguments against multiculturalism in Canada. What's Wrong with Multiculturalism? by Kenan Malik (radio documentary) http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/episodes/2012/06/22/whats-wrong-with-multiculturalism/ The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative by Thomas King (book and radio lecture) I think any conversation about multicultural policy needs to take place with a better understanding of the history of colonialism in Canada and its impact on First Nations People. Author Thomas King sketches out the nature of story and its power to better understand the "North America's relationship with its Aboriginal peoples." |
AuthorHi! My name is Ms. Doelman and I am the Communications Teacher at SJAM. I will be posting links and reflections through the school year that relate to Communications Technology. Follow me on Twitter at @adoelman. Archives
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