Some examples of issues which may be raised during this topic are issues of media representation including body image and label consciousness, and issues of injustice involving race, class, gender, and sexuality. You know the rules for brainstorming - you may want to go over them with your class. In the last assignment, we created art which was motivated by personal experience. We explored our surroundings and made pieces which had a personal meaning to us. During this topic, we will be looking at art which is externally motivated and is, in effect, a social or political commentary.
Art can be a very powerful tool to promote social change.
In the two Web sites we will be looking at we will be seeing examples of how artists can use their talents to make statements about things they believe in. Allow 10-15 minutes for them to do this. These two areas will probably be their favorite parts anyway. Have a question period in which students feel free to ask you to clarify any of the images they don't understand. This is when many issues may be raised.