Living Vicariously

Next Gen Student Films

Living Vicariously

A close-up photo of a biracial person with long, curly hair and brown eyes, gazing directly into the camera. The person's facial expression appears neutral, and the background is out of focus, giving it a documentary feel.

Living Vicariously is a short documentary film created in The Representation Project’s 2021 Youth Media Academy. This short film explores the biracial experience and the stark contrasts and similarities within the mixed community. Mixed kids are exposed to many questions about their identity, place in the world, and local environments from a young age. The film aims to answer these questions and amplify conversations about their experiences by intertwining the stories of several mixed youths in New York City.


CALLS TO ACTION

Questions for discussion following the viewing:

  1. Is there a relationship between personal and racial/cultural identity? Why/why not? How?
  2. How can you understand and evaluate being biracial/mixed through the lens of intersectionality?
  3. Do you often find yourself categorizing mixed or racially ambiguous people?
  4. How does being mixed impact minorities’ experiences with racism?
  5. How can we improve to better understand and accept people of mixed race as a society?

Feeling Inspired? Please consider selecting at least one of the following to bring about positive change in our society.

Calls to Action for Living Vicariously

* Especially if those around you are biracial, make space for conversations about these topics and be open-minded and understanding. Questions, although sometimes uncomfortable, are beneficial and can avoid unwanted assumptions and stereotypes.

* Labels are a double-edged sword, be conscious of this. And be wary of your own innate instinct to label and categorize.

*  Find organizations to support, and research more on topics such as these to make better and more inclusive environments for mixed people.

* When addressing topics of culture, equity, and racism, include and amplify biracial people’s voices. Whether this is through verbal speech, artwork, or other mediums.

#LivingVicariously #Equality #TheBiracialExperience #YMA2021 #Realconversations #LatinxCulture #NoOneSizeFitsAll