Saturday, June 4, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Dreads, Berlin & Culture Appropriation
So, I like to think of myself as a person who has seen and
appreciated things that have originated from African Culture being
accepted, explored, and inspiring to people not of its descent. That's why I was pleasantly surprised by the numerous people in Berlin WITH dreads who I can only assume don't identify as being African, Black, Caribbean, or even Rastafarian. Again I can only ASSUME.
While in Florida I can probably count on my hands the amount
of people that were not African, Black, Caribbean, or Rastafarian who
wore dreads. I can dwindle that number to only account for my left hand if I
take OUT the ones who wore them because they were "In-Style" or
"Hipster.
There is an instant vibe in Berlin that makes you know people
do things here because they genuinely appreciate it. Dreads in Berlin are not exclusive to a
counter-culture of out of control teens, ex-cons, ganja smokers, or thugs as
the American Culture often associates it with.
Identity here is very
much associated by interest and not race. So I am not surprised to see a
Turkish woman, an Asian man, and Dominican woman in an American inspired
Hip-Hop Club like 2BE. I don’t know if I
have been here long enough to say everyone who does adorn the historically
black hairstyle know its origins. But… I do think I have been here long enough to
know the city is culturally awake enough to not attribute the hairstyle to
Kylie Jenner.(no shade, kind of) Which is a very good attribute btw . Way to go Berlin !
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Rhea Ramjohn
I have started my interviews for my Black in Berlin project!
I had a wonderful interview today with Rhea Ramjohn who is a creative writer in Berlin. She has a very diverse background which I believe contributes to her very informed, complete, and thoughtful answers on Black Culture. I wont give to much away about her history because I want you all to check out her website www.rhearamjohn.com and click on her about page. It also features her creative writing stories, photo gallery of places she has traveled, her blog, and poems. My personal favorite is her pictures from Jordan and her poem Jackie's Lament. She is one of those people who you can talk to for hours and never run out of things to say. I will be featuring some clips from our interview on the blog periodically about topics like elections in America, white privilege, police brutality, and the diversity of Berlin.
I had a wonderful interview today with Rhea Ramjohn who is a creative writer in Berlin. She has a very diverse background which I believe contributes to her very informed, complete, and thoughtful answers on Black Culture. I wont give to much away about her history because I want you all to check out her website www.rhearamjohn.com and click on her about page. It also features her creative writing stories, photo gallery of places she has traveled, her blog, and poems. My personal favorite is her pictures from Jordan and her poem Jackie's Lament. She is one of those people who you can talk to for hours and never run out of things to say. I will be featuring some clips from our interview on the blog periodically about topics like elections in America, white privilege, police brutality, and the diversity of Berlin.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Soda Club
I am just coming back from an amazing Afro and Latin
American Club. Club Soda is a maze of rooms that featured different music
styles. There were DJ's and bars in EVERY room giving a different atmosphere.
It made me feel like I was hopping from country to country. There were rooms of
Mambo, Kizomba, and Bachata, and Salsa. Every time we would leave one room we
stumbled upon another with better music then before. My personal favorite was
the Salsa
room. The dancers on the floor ranged from beginners to advance but
all levels felt welcome. I was told I had noodle arms (nicely) and learned
proper technique by the vibrant crowd of Latin music lovers. A last minute plan
turned into an unforgettable night. I will be back again on Sunday to show
everyone how I sharpened up my two step!
Christoph Niemann- Cover illustrator for The New Yorker, Times Magazine, and Wired.
We met the current May 2016 cover artist for The New Yorker Magazine.
Christoph Niemann hosted us at his studio for a Q&A on his career as a Illustrator. He is a highly sought out artist who is fortunate enough to have lots of top companies call him to do free lance work for them.
I asked him " Have you ever felt pressed to keep up with the evolving changes in the industry?" He spoke about keeping a healthy step above other colleagues literally and figuratively. He ran in the New York Marathon and live tweeted his sketches of the runners. Thinking outside the box and using the changes of journalism to his advantage has kept him on top.
He told us one of the most important thing for success is the trust you develop with your editors. He said that is a big part of being successful. Not taking on more than you can handle is apart of this track to trust. He said if you say Yes it means YES! No one remembers the part where you said you were low on time. They only know that you gave back mediocre work or late work. It is better for them to be disappointed by No then a bad Yes.
Christoph Niemann hosted us at his studio for a Q&A on his career as a Illustrator. He is a highly sought out artist who is fortunate enough to have lots of top companies call him to do free lance work for them.
I asked him " Have you ever felt pressed to keep up with the evolving changes in the industry?" He spoke about keeping a healthy step above other colleagues literally and figuratively. He ran in the New York Marathon and live tweeted his sketches of the runners. Thinking outside the box and using the changes of journalism to his advantage has kept him on top.
He told us one of the most important thing for success is the trust you develop with your editors. He said that is a big part of being successful. Not taking on more than you can handle is apart of this track to trust. He said if you say Yes it means YES! No one remembers the part where you said you were low on time. They only know that you gave back mediocre work or late work. It is better for them to be disappointed by No then a bad Yes.
Signed book by Niemann |
Christoph speaking to the group |
Urban Night Life in Berlin
From Thursday to Saturday I will be experiencing the night life of predominantly hip hop clubs in Berlin. I cant wait! Keep up with the post to see how the party scene is here.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Mary M. Lane- Arts and Auctions Correspondetnt
So....today was amazing.
It was a jam packed day and it started off with the former Art and Auctions Correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, Mary Lane. She sat down with us in our hotel and had a genuine, refreshing talk about her journey in Berlin.
She has been here for 5+ years (the exact number slips my mind) and it all started off with a trip that was supposed to be for a semester. She spoke about some of her most interesting work with local brothels in the city, and the subsequent piece she did on prostitution. Here in Berlin it is a legal job with the same legitimacy as any other profession. Her report on the mystique lifestyle is an interesting read: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2009/jun/17/sex-selling-less-amid-economic-downturn/223707/
She kept it real with the expectations of a journalist and the truth of the industry. The topic that I loved was about who the person you are can and will alter your experience as a reporter. For example she mentioned how in one instance she could be super intimidating to a person she is interviewing, and in the same day have someone look at her as a lowly reporter. She mentioned that in certain situations being a person of color could make the people you are interviewing more comfortable depending on the situation, but there may also be people who think you are only there because of your color. It can be a curse and blessing but you have to be prepared for these things. Being a woman in journalist she has dealt with derogatory things being thrown her way because of her gender.
Establishing herself as a solid local journalist, she is now taking time to write a book about her reporting. The visit ended with her inviting us all to her flat for drinks and more conversation another time to speak more. A visit I am definitely going to take.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Carnival of Culture in Berlin- 5.15.16
I want to share some photos of the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin. Its a street parade held to celebrate the diverse cultural identities that the city has to offer. I saw floats that varied from celebrating Asian Gangnam style music to traditional Nigerian dancers. Here are a few unedited photos from the experience.
SM
SM
Monday, May 16, 2016
5.16 Herzlich Willkommen- Welcome
I am currently a University of
Florida student studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications. I am a
part of a two week study abroad trip to the wonderful city of Berlin Germany!
My assignment is to look for a person to interview and find out about their
life in Berlin. I am particularly focused on Black Culture in Berlin, hence the
name Black in Berlin.
Every city I have lived in there has been a minority of
people of African decedent, schools included. While this has never drastically
hindered my education or life there are moments where people have made me feel
different due to my skin. An unfortunately usual experience for most people of
my color we have commonly created a subculture, where we live, in which we hope
to create a welcoming, comforting atmosphere for those who look and relate to
us.
Pictures, quotes, and my observations on
black culture in Berlin.
My personal adventure.
Subject (person to interview).
In addition, this blog will feature my general observation
of ALL cultures in Berlin. It would be an incomplete and unjust representation of
my focus, and this cities culture to leave out the diversity Berlin has to
offer.
Hope you enjoy,
Shamarria M.
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