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Tools Used: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Roland Printer & Vinyl Sticker Paper, Envelopes, Pen, Paper
Instructor: Professor Carley Law
Course: DES 321, Images in Communication
Timeline: 3 weeks
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Preface: As an Indian (& Hindu) person, I always felt like I am not able to voice an opinion regarding issues affecting Muslim populations. The Hindus have historically discriminated against the Muslim population within India, exacerbated by Christian British rule, which had led to The Partition: the separation of Pakistan and India on the basis of religion. Continued isolation, discrimination and marginalization still occurs against Muslim populations within India. As a Indian-American, born within the United States but hailing from India, I would hope to have one country which I approve of, however both have done infallible harm against populations of people, which is unacceptable in my eyes. My friend, Safiyya —an incredible writer who frequently discusses issues affecting Pakistan, and Muslim populations— voiced that she was frankly exhausted that solely Brown Muslims bore the weight of needing to fight for the Palestinian population within spaces, even though many recognize the conflict occurring within the Gaza Strip to be a genocide of the Palestinian people. I aimed to center this project around the cause of the Palestinians, in order to draw increased attention to the cause, and highlight similarities between a present-day social movement, and historical ones. Regardless of skin tone, of religious upbringing, of any background, one can look at the atrocities committed against the Palestinian population, and come to the conclusion that Palestine must be free.
To protest means to object to something. Protest art is a visual means of expressing that objection. It is often created and used collectively to inform others about a social issue, declare public objection to the issue, and persuade others to join in action to address it.
The United States Forever Stamp is a non-expiring stamp sold by the United States Postal Service (more commonly known as the USPS, federally managed) that can be used to mail a one ounce First-Class letter. These stamps are bought to keep in the household likely for extended periods of time, due to it’s non-expiration nature. The designs of these stamps are managed by the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC), established in 1957, which serves the Postmaster General of the United States.
There is a variety of guidelines that the United States Forever Stamp requires its admitting artists to abide by. Upon seeing guideline 9, I grew questionable about the reasoning behind the creation and highlighting of specific stamps.
These stamps tend to boast the most positive, “non-tainted” aspects of American society upon face value. From a look at the organization’s current Instagram, it is clear that many Forever Stamps are created to acknowledge American heroes, wildlife/flora, and multicultural holidays. 3 stamp series have even featured Martin Luther King Junior, well-known activist and political advocate within the Civil Rights Movement. King was best known for his practices of non-violence, which he —along with many others— used to protest against legalized discrimination against people of color within the United States.
However, at points in time during this era, King’s work was not viewed as positive to society, as many were opposed to changing discriminatory laws against Black and Brown Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. was never able to complete the work he wished to do, as on April 4th of 1968, he was assassinated during his efforts to support the Poor People’s Campaign, a movement providing aid to those poor or low-income.
The provided guidelines beg the question:
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Who defines what is a negative or positive contribution to American society?
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The answer, lies in the organization’s website.
“Using their collective expertise in history, science, technology, art, education, sports, and other areas of public interest, CSAC members consider and then recommend stamp subjects to the PMG for final approval.”
Who are CSAC members appointed by?
“The Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) is appointed by the Postmaster General. The group selects subjects for recommendation as future stamp issues, made with all postal customers in mind, including stamp collectors.”
Who is the Postmaster General appointed by? The Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service. Who is the Board of Governors of the USPS appointed by?
Ultimately, the President of the United States aids in defining what is considered to be an acceptable stamp. Within the modern day however, the President of the U.S. (along with many other political figures) are driven by partisan forces and opinions, which eventually, creates ripple effects leading to bias within the selection of stamps.
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**Ultimately, the President of the United States aids in defining what is considered to be an acceptable stamp.**
**The President of the U.S. (along with many other political figures) are driven by partisan forces & opinions, leading to bias in stamp selection.**
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