Mass Communication
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Guided by our faculty in the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, we developed a creative project exploring the theme of racism through the medium of mask-making. Inspired by Face-Negotiation Theory, which examines how individuals from different cultures manage relationships and conflict, our aim was to convey the deep emotional scars that racism leaves on its victims.
Our mask design depicted the face of a Black individual in tears, with red accents symbolizing both physical and emotional pain. Using the expressive power of pathos, we sought to communicate that discrimination based on skin color is not only unjust—it is dehumanizing. The process involved conceptualizing, sculpting, and painting the mask with minimal elements, allowing facial expressions and colors to carry the entire message. Without written words, the mask itself became the voice, speaking directly to the heart of the viewer.
PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
Racism, though reduced in some parts of the world, remains an enduring injustice. People are still judged, mocked, or excluded based on their skin color—something no one chooses and no one should be punished for. This project aimed to shed light on these realities in a way that facts alone cannot achieve.
By channeling emotion through art, we hoped to create a more visceral and lasting impact on our audience. Our message—“Black lives matter; skin is not an identity card”—urges society to look beyond appearances and recognize the equal humanity of all individuals. The mask served as a symbolic protest, illustrating how racism wounds both the body and the soul. In an era where visual storytelling often speaks louder than words, this project was our attempt to amplify the call for empathy, equality, and respect.
LEARNINGS & OUTCOMES
Through this project, we gained a blend of creative, technical, and social insights:
- Emotional Storytelling – We learned how to use visual elements and symbolism to communicate deep social issues effectively without relying on text.
- Understanding Pathos in Practice – Applying the concept of pathos in a tangible art form allowed us to see how emotion can be a powerful tool for awareness.
- Cultural Sensitivity – Researching the experiences of Black communities deepened our empathy and understanding of the human cost of racism.
- Creative Problem-Solving – Making the mask required trial, error, and adaptation, especially in shaping and coloring, teaching us resilience in the face of creative challenges.
- Collaboration Skills – Each member played a crucial role—idea generation, mask construction, and painting—strengthening our teamwork and communication.
- Confidence for Future Projects – Although our work did not fully meet our initial expectations in terms of technical perfection, the process built our confidence for future artistic and message-driven creations.