Prompt: After watching the short film Identity, write a blog post reflecting on how the masks in the film represent the pressure to fit in and the struggle to discover who you really are. Choose one moment from the film that stood out to you and explain why. Then, connect the film’s message to Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” and to the mask you are creating in class. What part of your identity do you want your mask to reveal?

Prompt Response: The masks in the short film Identity represent everyone's need to fit into the norm and stay inside a box. The masks show a lack of self identity and are used as a shield to hide our true selves from judgment by others. One moment from the film that stood out was at the end when the girl walks out in front of her peers without a mask whilst they stare at her. This stood out to me because when the girl embraced her individuality and did not follow the crowd, she was looked at differently. It just shows how breaking out of the norm is so uncommon. The film's message of not being fearful of judgment and embracing individuality connects back to Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” by both pieces showing an individual embracing their own and being proud of who they are. The mask I am creating in class also shares the message with these two pieces of media, the parts of my identity I am most proud of will be showcased on the mask. It is a way I can embrace my individuality. 

Summary: In class we watched the short film Identity, went over the final, and worked on our masks. 

Reflection: I learned that when reciting a poem, you should use vocal expression to match the tone of the poem.