Part One: Choose the Creative Works
1. Describe the two creative works.
A. Chosen Topic: Mental Health
B. Chosen Creative Works:
1. "Sober" by Demi Lovato: This is a song where Demi Lovato reflects on her struggles with addiction and the challenges of maintaining sobriety. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and honesty about the difficulties she faces in staying sober.
2. "The Scream" by Edvard Munch: This iconic painting depicts a figure in a state of existential crisis, screaming against a tumultuous, distorted background. It's often interpreted as an expression of anxiety, despair, or the human condition.
C. Why Chose Those Creative Works
I chose "Sober" because it provides a contemporary, personal perspective on mental health, specifically addiction. "The Scream" was chosen for its timeless exploration of existential angst, offering a visual representation of inner turmoil.
2. How the Chosen Creative Works Can be Used to Understand the Topic:
A. Humanities Subjects Areas:
- Visual Arts (The Scream): The painting captures the visceral emotions associated with mental health struggles, offering a visual representation of the internal chaos that people may experience.
- Literary Arts (Sober): The lyrics provide a narrative insight into the mental health journey, giving a voice to personal struggles and emphasizing the ongoing process of recovery.
- Performing Arts (Sober): In a live performance of "Sober," Demi Lovato's vocal delivery and stage presence can evoke a powerful emotional response, deepening the audience's connection to the theme of mental health.
3. Value of Diverse Perspectives:
A. Examples of Diverse Perspectives:
- "Sober": Represents the perspective of someone in the public eye dealing with addiction, offering insight into the challenges of maintaining sobriety amid scrutiny.
- "The Scream": Reflects a more existential perspective on mental health, portraying a universal sense of anxiety and despair.
B. What Diverse Perspectives Add:
- "Sober": Adds a layer of understanding to the complexities individuals face when dealing with mental health in the public eye.
- "The Scream": Adds a broader, existential dimension to the discussion, emphasizing that mental health struggles are not confined to specific situations or individuals.
4. Potential Biases and Assumptions:
- "Sober": Bias may arise from the specific experiences of Demi Lovato, potentially not fully capturing the diversity of addiction experiences.
- "The Scream": Assumes a certain universality to the human experience of anxiety, which may not resonate with everyone's perception of mental health.
Part Two: Self and Society
1. How Creative Works Create Meaning:
A. Making Sense of the Topic:
- "Sober": Helps audiences understand the ongoing struggle of maintaining mental health and sobriety.
- "The Scream": Provides a visual representation of the emotional turmoil associated with mental health challenges.
B. Making Sense of Society:
- "Sober": Highlights societal expectations and pressures, especially for individuals in the public eye, contributing to mental health challenges.
- "The Scream": Suggests a broader commentary on the societal aspects that contribute to existential angst and mental health issues.
2. Impact on Society's Perception:
- "Sober": Challenges societal stigmas around addiction by humanizing the experience.
- "The Scream": Sparks conversations about the universal nature of mental health struggles.
3. Perceived Differently by Different Groups:
- Generational Perception: Younger generations might resonate more with "Sober" due to its contemporary relevance.
- Cultural Perception: "The Scream" may be interpreted differently across cultures, depending on their attitudes towards mental health.
4. Encouraging Empathy:
- "Sober": Encourages empathy by sharing a personal journey, helping listeners relate to the challenges of mental health and addiction.
- "The Scream": Evokes empathy by visually representing the intense emotions associated with mental health struggles.
5. Encouraging Critical Thinking:
- "Sober": Prompts critical reflection on the societal pressures contributing to mental health issues and the importance of empathy and support.
- "The Scream": Encourages critical thinking about the existential aspects of mental health, prompting viewers to contemplate the deeper meaning behind the artwork.
Part Three: Identity and the Humanities
1. Relationship Between the Humanities and Self-Identity:
- Creative Works Impact: Both creative works provide a lens through which individuals can reflect on their own mental health struggles and identity.
2. Sociocultural Factors Influencing Identity Construction:
- "Sober": Explores the impact of fame and societal expectations on one's identity.