Art for Social Justice Contest

Stephie G

Title: ‘Rooted In Heart'

Essay: ‘Rooted In Heart’
What issue does your entry address? This piece is titled, “Rooted in Heart.” This mixed-media collage calls for social justice in the area of gender equality in the music industry. As a drummer in Nashville, I have experienced firsthand being the only woman in a band, let alone an entire line-up of musicians. The under-representation of women in the music industry continues to be prevalent and pervasive. This entry not only reflects the struggles I have faced in my own journey, but is also a reflection of other women’s stories, as well as those who have attempted to overcome societal norms and perceptions. This piece hones in on issues of self-worth and equity, stepping up to boldness, encouraging unity among women, promoting change, and most importantly, listening to your heart--that inner wisdom at the core, even when others might not see what you see. How does this problem affect people today? Many girls and young women are discouraged from pursuing and exploring their dreams. I was one of them. Growing up in suburbia, there were certain things a young Filipina-American girl was encouraged to do, and being a musician was not one of them. Though I played music as a young child and throughout my teenage years, I was never encouraged to explore and pursue my creative passions beyond high school. In fact, there were times when I was guilted and shamed for it. So I did what I thought I was supposed to do, and got a degree in business. It was not until years after I graduated college, that music found me again. In 2019, the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, one of the leading global collectives that studies diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, found that 22.5% of the top songs were made by women artists, and only 14.4% of all songwriters were women. Women drummers make up even less percentage than that, with the most stark contrast being producers, in which women comprised only 5% of the total. We know that music is a universal language that transcends all spoken languages, cultures, races, genders, and creeds. Today’s youth consume music in more ways than ever before, becoming shaped and inspired by artists who essentially become role models for them. When young girls fail to see representation of women in the music industry, it may discourage them from even considering or pursuing a career in music. When girls are discouraged from pursuing their dreams even before they begin, their creativity and confidence is stifled. Repetitive discouragement can lead to learned behaviors of timidity, self-doubt, risk aversion, and reluctance to speak up, which can follow these girls well into adulthood. Although the obvious problem might be getting women to the table alongside men, perhaps the root of the issue is that these girls and young women were never prepared and properly equipped to be at the table in the first place. What solution do you present to solve the issue? Like all social justice issues, problems are multifaceted, and no one solution can solve a complex issue such as gender inequality. However, we know that it will take all genders coming together to form policies and create a “tone at the top” that implements solutions involving equity and inclusion. It will take more action than merely abstaining from sexist language or not being sexist, but to correct and call it out with compassion and grace. It begins with the individual--being mindful of one’s thoughts, words, and actions. I encourage those in decision-making positions to use their privilege to be intentional, to invite women to work alongside them, and empower them into leadership roles. I believe we also must focus on legacy building. We need to ask ourselves, “How can we leave this world better than we found it? How can we impact the next generation in a way that champions inclusion, creativity, perseverance, and purpose?” From there, we must let our beliefs shape our actions and behaviors. In building a legacy, we must teach girls and young women to take initiative, lead, and take risks. We have a responsibility to lead the next generation into a life of where more equality exists. How does your entry inspire a positive change in the world? This entry sheds light on the everpresent gender inequality in our world, and represents a three-fold call to action for women to believe in themselves, to encourage one another in cultivating their dreams, and lastly, to empower the next generation of women in making an active impact, participating in the world around them. To be rooted in one’s heart requires a sense of courage and vulnerability. This piece encourages that vulnerability, and gives others an opportunity to humbly acknowledge those of who have also stumbled and triumphed on the path before them. In this entry, I give a tribute to women drummers whose legacies have influenced many generations. Documented in ancient Hebrew texts, one of the first recorded women drummers from thousands of years ago was a woman by the name of Miriam. This work features a picture of Layne Redmond, a frame drummer, who was led to research the origins of drumming and authored, When The Drummers Were Women, a book focused on the ancient traditions of drumming, which she found predominantly involved women. I also include a portrait of Viola Smith, who passed away this year at the age of 107, and who was one of the first women to be a professional drummer. It is my hope that this work transcends music and drumming, and encourages women in all areas of life, wherever they might have felt discouraged or lesser-than, to rise up and join the ranks of great women throughout history who have changed the world, and who have made an impact with their passions and relentless pursuits. And with this new found confidence, my hope is that they can lift up the next generation of women to join them as well. This mixed-media piece features articles from Tom Tom Magazine, a publication that celebrates girl and women percussionists from around the world, pictures of historic drummers and percussionists who have made an impact in the modern drumming world today, dried flowers, leaves, and roots to represent the true beauty that stems from listening to one’s heart, as well as artifacts from my personal drumming journey: an old pairs of drum sticks and a part of a drumhead from my first drum set. What nonprofit are you associating your entry with? I am associating my entry with the nonprofit, Youth Empowerment Through Arts and Humanities (YEAH!). Their mission is to provide a safe learning environment for teens that will empower them not only in the arts but in life skills, volunteerism, and community service. YEAH!’s summer rock camps aim to support a culture of positive self-esteem and collaboration among young people while building community through music. These camps are designed to allow campers (regardless of race, class, gender expression, or creed) freedom of expression and exploration through music and performance. I have had the honor and pleasure of serving as a drum instructor and band manager during their Southern Girls Rock Camp, a camp where girls and gender non-conforming youth ages 10 to 17 form their own bands, collaborate on a song together, and perform at the end of the week. The experience was truly transformative, and the confidence and growth I witnessed in these girls throughout the process was truly a force to behold.