Midterm- A Long way gone.

The whole scope of this project is to highlight my background, identity and the current obstacles that I face in the USA as a Muslim black immigrant from Senegal, West Africa. Additionally, I wanted to debunk the stereotypes that are often associated with Africa such as poverty, disease and war. Theoretically, Africa isn't poor. It is the mismanagement of our natural resources by our leaders that drove us to poverty. This is the reason why I used Gold stickers to accentuate the continent's natural resources such as Gold, Copper, Diamond, just to name a few. I also put an emphasis on my roots by focusing on Africa's wealth that are abstract. For example, ever since I came to the USA , I have noticed that Africans are perceived or portrayed  as primitive or uncivilized. This is because only one story is told when it comes to Africa, but there are other aspects that need to be mentioned. That's why I have spelled CIVILIZATION in gold as well, because we are civilized, it is just a different civilization. Family, culture, food, solidarity and government are part of a civilization. So they are worth noting. Furthermore, I wanted viewers to realize that even though America is the most powerful country in the world, it has its own sociopolitical problems. As can be seen, my profile picture is facing America because this is where I live now. And even though I enjoy the opportunity, the diversity, the DEMOCRACY and FREEDOM; I experienced xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia. It is something that is still new and chocking to me because I have never even realized or experienced it before I immigrated to America. Most importantly, Senegal is a black nation and 98 % of our population is Muslim. However, we get along perfectly well with Christians and live in perfect harmony. Islam, which means peace was also written in gold. My goal is to enlighten people about real Muslims who don't use religion as an excuse to kill or persecute others, and that is the reason why I wrote FEAR above my head. But I also spelled LOVE in gold characters to show that there is nothing but Love between America and I. I am grateful to be here and I love America, but I also wish she loves me back. The use of the stickers is an inspiration from Cindy Sherman. The bold characters really draw attention and are expletive. I was also inspired by Kehinde Wiley's paintings for the background of the collage and the map of Africa. So I cut a plastic bag that is usually used by African immigrants. I wanted to make my roots stand out just like Kehinde and that is why I used a traditional African  shirt to outline the map.