THE RECLAIMING OF

WORDS AND IDEAS

How Art & Activism Can Change the World

GROWING PAINS

Being forced to shed my heritage...

TURNING INTO JACKIE...

...because we really look alike (not)

STARTING THE SLANTS

LOOKING FOR ASIANS

The first time I was called a racist for this band...but not the last.

GOAL: MELT FACES

THE WORLD OF ANIME CONS

A celebration of Asian culture?

& AROUND THE WORLD

THE SLANTS VS. THE USPTO

The second time I was called a racist...

ANYONE BUT ASIANS

WHEN IN DOUBT, MAKE NOISE

OTHER PHRASES EMBRACED...

OTHERS IN THE ARTS

MORE THAN JUST RACE

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT ELSEWHERE...

WHEN IT IS SUCCESSFUL...

•  A transfer of power occurs •  Individuals or groups can be

empowered •  Can be a mark of fellowship, unity, and

brotherhood •  A definition or perception may change

RULES OF RECLAIMING?

•  Only Targets of an epithet can reclaim or “own” something •  Intent/Context Matters •  Irony/Satire/Sarcasm to exploit

disparity or stereotypes •  Still problematic...

QUESTIONS?

Tumblr: ASlantedView @SimonTheTam