What I may say now might contradict what I just said in last week's blog post, "Who am I creating for?". My mission behind creating art, content, and entertainment is to use the intersectionality of politics/social justice and media as a platform to create change. I am aware I said I am creating for myself and the statement I just presented makes it seem like I am creating for other people, not myself. It might sound like these two ideas are on opposite sides of the spectrum but, in reality, they go hand in hand.
I wholeheartedly believe I am creating for myself. The content I create is because it is how I process the world. I am finding and using my voice to create authentic content that comes directly from my thoughts. Additionally, through my work, I am able to envision a better tomorrow, and ask those "What if?" questions. Each story I might present does not have to be a groundbreaking new look on life. No, it can silly skit. In the end, I am creating for myself so I will have fun. But, when I create for myself, I am also creating something bigger than myself. I am creating community. In storytelling, community is generated due to the nature of what it is. From my point of view, the aspect of sharing a story with someone else creates a bond because they are learning more about who I am and/or how I think. So, I might be creating content to just have a grand ol' time. Sometimes the most impactful content isn't the most introspective, it is the content that builds community.
I have been able to create a small community right here with my blog, my YouTube channel, and my newsletter. All of these things are small but a community builds person by person. Through each of these mediums, people can interact with my work and that can create a simple conversation. What I am doing is building social capital even if it is with a small group of people.
Social capital is a place where people have shared experiences, values, relationships, and more. It is a place that bridges people together from different walks of life and that creates a stronger community. By creating work for myself but, then sharing that with the world creates a space that builds social capital. The world is in need of shared experiences and interactions and I am grateful that my passion allows me to create that.
In the end, I am creating for myself but, my "what if" thoughts can help change the narrative, create a conversation, or bring a smile to someone's face. I am creating because I find fulfillment, enjoyment, and community through it. I have fun envisioning a better tomorrow and that is why I continue to do that. Maybe that imaginary tomorrow that I create in my head can come true.
*A small community that is growing through YouTube. Hopefully, this brings a smile to your face!
**DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE!**
Election Day is November 3rd.
If voting by mail: Request your ballot ASAP and try to send it on or before October 20th so it can get in on time (Mailing time varies depending on State)
For information go to vote.org on registration, vote by mail, election reminders, and more.