I’m working on a sociology discussion question and need a sample draft to help me study.
Take the time to watch this interview with Alexander Hernandez, a California-based social worker by day and artist by night. He speaks with Tracy Fenix, Artist Engagement & Archive Manager at Visual AIDS—an organization dedicated to using contemporary art to raise awareness and advocacy about fighting HIV/AIDS.
Note: you should watch at least the first thirty minutes of the interview, though I recommend you watch all of it—Hernandez has some good things to say about self-care and joy at the end of the clip. Also, definitely read the accompanying blog post for more context.
Once you’ve watched the video and read the post, answer the following in at least 300 words:
- Throughout the interview, what does Hernandez say about his medium (i.e., “soft sculpture”), as it relates to his identities as a cisgender male, Mexican-American, queer, and HIV-positive person? He uses the word “layers” — how does this connect to Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality? (Pro tip: see our supplementary video under ‘Reading Resources’ for help here, if you need it!)
- What is visual code-switching, according to Hernandez? How does it transmit different types of cultural ideas, patterns, and memories? You should point out how Hernandez discusses his use of textiles and other fabrics here. How can you apply Du Bois’ notion of “two-ness” here, or Collins’ discussion of Black women being “both/and” as opposed to “either/or”— i.e., being both female and Black, not female orBlack.
- In Alexander’s view, why are the soft sculpture portraits in “Staying Positive” so meaningful for representing the POZ (i.e., HIV-positive) community—especially for people of color? What does this collection of work illustrate and/or symbolize?
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