ISSUE TWO: APRIL - JUNE

provokewoke quarter 2 april-june illustration credit to @lillidesigns

provokewoke update about the editors This magazine was edited, collated and designed by the wrotewoke committee; alongside Head Editor of WroteWoke(n) & Creative Director, Ella Croasdale.

The committee hopes you thoroughly enjoy this collection of the best pieces of the quarter, along with various reviews, provokewoke updates and stunning artworks. We hope this magazine can inspire you to take change into your own life and share your voice with others, and make a difference.

who are the wrotewoke committee?

India Merrett Jennifer Nguyen Kasturi PK Kunalan

ProvokeWoke’s WroteWoke committee is filled with youths who strive with passion to create a

Skye Kim

platform for stories to be told and

Yan Zhai

heard. Whether these stories are in the form of art or writing, we aim to encourage, provoke and confront other youths from a range of backgrounds to create a diverse committee bonded together will the same passion -not only to remove all racial stigmas and stereotypes, but to create unity through personal, confronting stories that spark insight into our contemporary epoch.

Together, hand in hand, our showcase of artworks and writing in our magazines and our online blog with new themes every month, we are able to shine light onto various aspects of society, hoping to one day create meaningful change onto the injustices of today.

illustration credit to @ellacroasdale

illustration credit to ash chatelier

I captioned my artwork "lead your own shadow"; as your shadow is always within your surroundings whether it is behind you, next to you or in front of you! So if you lead your own shadow, you're leading/in control of your surroundings. We should be going where we want to go with our lives and we should do this of our own regard.

lead your own shadow by ash chatelier

decoding who i am.

by teresa sheng

The first time I stepped onto a tennis court

Many other migrants discuss stereotypes

I was four. I don’t remember it clearly, but I

like how migrants are low-skilled, low-

remember picking up my tennis racquet

income and a burden to the community.

and falling in love with a game that even

And while I identify with these, I

after 10 years, I continue to play it.

constantly feel the pressure of being Asian in a sport where less than 1% are. I

Tennis has brought me across New South

feel the pressure of being stereotyped as

Wales and Australia, exposed me to new

bad at tennis because I don’t look like the

people, ideas and culture.

traditional tennis players who grace our screens. Just yesterday, I was training

When I was seven, I played my first tennis

with a boy from a local school and when I

competition. I was the only Asian girl

told him about going to nationals for

there. I didn’t realize that my hair colour,

tennis, his only response was “you don’t

skin colour and even the way I talked was

look like you would be good”. When I

different. We had been brought together

asked why, he said “because you’re

by this amazing sport, and the only thing I

Asian”. Despite having gone so far in

felt was lucky. Yet, as I grew older, the

racial equality in the past few years, not all

disparities grew. I was known as the

young people are educated yet.

“Asian one” because no other Asian girl or guy played and I was seen as an oddity.

I am Chinese, East-Asian and proud of it,

illustration credit to @camixvx

illustration credit to @camixvx

but that doesn’t mean I’m immune to the

Who I am is more than my race. I’m a

comments people tell me almost every

person with my own beliefs, dreams,

day of how rare it is to see someone of my

hopes and identity. Migrant myths are

racial background in my sport, or how I’m

more than just a way of classifying people:

good for an Asian.

they dehumanize us, make us less than what we are. The next time you say

This idea that I am being reduced to only

something about race, remember this: we

being my race is one that many migrants

are all more than our race, we all deserve

can identify with. The idea that I am a

to be known for our own identity and not

representation of my race. The idea that I

for anything else.

have no name apart from my race.

about the author: teresa sheng Teresa Sheng is an aspiring change-maker, tennis player and volunteer, currently studying at Sydney Girls High. As a young proud Australian-bornChinese, her experiences have made her realize the power of the people and she hopes to not only educate, empower and spark conversations, but also ensure that future generations will have more inclusive, tolerant and peaceful societies through her work with ProvokeWoke.

review: bao

pixar short film, 2018 directed by domee shi

On-screen, as the mother broke down in tears, the music stopped, and the theatre of movie-goers were confronted by the raw, unfiltered sound of her sobs. This was my experience of seeing Bao by Domee Shi, which accompanied The Incredibles 2.

Around this point during the short film, I too broke out in tears.

From the impressively accurate bao-making sequence, to the quintessential grocery store calendars and lucky cats, Bao quickly charmed the audience. In between the adorable shots of baby bao and winks at the Asian community, it was the mother who took centre stage. We’re all too familiar with waving over our shoulders as we step outside the house, but the big screen confronted us with the mother’s defeat as she sat alone, at a table set with the labours of her day.

It was uplifting to see so many elements of my own upbringing almost directly translated onto the big screen. It was pleasing to see a slice of cinema dedicated to people like me. But the true strength of Bao was that it reminds the audience to appreciate the things that we had taken for granted. Although a particularly delightful film for the Asian community, the film transcends cultural barriers as the warmth of home shines through beautifully.

review by yan zhai

illustration credit to @lillidesigns

spokewoke update who are our spokewoke committee?

ProvokeWoke's SpokeWoke committee is, at its core, a group of young people working to engage, empower and educate other youth from diverse backgrounds about racial stigmas and stereotypes -showing how to create community change from a grassroots level.

Together, we aim to bridge the racial divide through workshops, conferences and events; sparking conversations and movements throughout, with SpokeWoke acting as a medium for conversations and actions. In the coming weeks and months, we hope to expand our reach with other young people and equip them with the skills to make meaningful change; with peer-education programs and events that foster empowerment and inspiration, from a true from-youth to-youth background.

miniseries #1 - power to provoke Power to Provoke marked the first event of its kind (Mini-Series #1), an event with over 60 participants who left with new insights and empowerment, ready and capable of leading and advocating for change in spectrums of social justice and youth activism. An afternoon of intimate workshops, speakers, performers and a social incubator, it was truly a testament to the enthusiasm and passion of young people throughout. While it was opportunity to equip attendees with new skills and experiences, it was also a unique opportunity that fostered personal delegate action in their communities and areas of passion. And this event was only the beginning of a trilogy of events that will provide a depth of information not often explored in daily life, encourage discussion about topical and interesting issues, and leave attendees with not only new insights and perspectives, but also become the change-makers they have the potential to be.

illustration credit to @lillidesigns

workshop #1 - chatswood youth centre This was a workshop dedicated to all the movers, shakers and young change-makers; the ones who are not content with the world they live in and want to see it changed for the better.

Over the course of the afternoon, they participated in thought-provoking activities designed to initiate conversation and spark ideas. Heard from two inspirational speakers; Alan Burzevski and Kathy Wong. They shared incredible stories and experiences of literally changing the world; started their own non-profits, fought hard for their passions, and bravely spoken up when everyone else stayed silent.

When we live in a time where everything seems to be going wrong, it's hard to know where to start. These young people talked about the catalyst behind their journeys, the challenges they faced on the way, and how they emerged victorious and stronger.

Those who emerged from this workshop felt inspired and empowered to go back into their own schools and communities, and take the lead on provoking change.

a confrontation. by tiffany lin Scrolling down my newsfeed, I let out a sigh of envy as my finger rested upon a photo of a young girl, not unlike myself.

She was striking. A beautiful caucasian girl, her bright blue eyes sparkling coupling with the shimmery, blonde blanket of hair flowing down her back.

But it was not her beauty that made me pause. It was the dress.

I couldn’t deny it, it was exquisite on her, I couldn’t deny. The familiar embroidered red silk hugged her curves closely, sketching a model’s figure. The photo was captioned ‘PROM’.

So… she was just another girl, getting ready for her prom night.

illustration credit to @lillidesigns

Getting ready in a dress she merely thought was

This wasn’t a strange

‘pretty’ but for others like myself and my ancestors held

occurrence, this is a society

great significance. It was almost a replica of the dress

conditioned to acceptance

my grandmother had wed in. The dress my ancestors

and tolerance. Where is the

had worn to flaunt their pride of the country, the dress

fine line between freedom of

that was of utmost importance to my grandmother.

individuality and cultural appropriation?

Qipao, a traditional Chinese dress, with intricate red

But… who am I to say?

and yellow swirls meandering across the delicate, red silk, an exquisite pattern of

So I swallowed my anger, and

golden flowers adorning the high neckline and a slit

with a swipe of a finger,

cut high up on the thigh. An image flashed of my

scrolled down. I don’t blame

grandmother proudly smiling with her body draped in

her for her ignorance, she

this dress. My blood boiled red. Why was this woman

lives in a world that has

wearing my grandmother’s declaration of pride for her

inevitable conditioned your

culture? Who had given this woman permission to

thinking.

display an identity that wasn’t hers? I felt oddly robbed of something that I believed was mine.

I blame myself and others, who sit silently and witness

Maybe I shouldn’t care. After all, who am I to say. Who

your appropriation, wincing

am I to pick a fight with this

in thought but like me

woman?

scrolling on.

But no longer. My eyes are not closed, my mind does not turn from your injustice. I will open my mouth, I will shout my anger. Is it not obvious that it is inherently wrong for you claim this dress, part of my identity, as your own? Are you even aware of the meaning of the dress that adorns you so beautifully? I look at you, and all I see is a thief caught red handed.

illustration credit to @camixvx

I am me. And you will never be a thief of my culture. You will never take my ethnicity. My identity is mine and mine to keep. Again this is not your fault, and that’s the worst part. Your unawareness undoubtedly has changed since the viralness of your prom picture.

What I worry about is changing a seemingly stubborn world, whose mindset is not so easy to change. I blame myself and all of you who have scrolled down and not opened your mouth.

Yes this is a confrontation of sorts. It is a confrontation to those who brew in silent anger but refuse to rebuke these thieves. This is both a confrontation and a passing of knowledge.

To the silent: 1. Be bold, be proud, but don’t be loud Listen to others, a fight for voice is only a fight, not progression 2.Pride is an asset don’t make it an issue Do not fear expression for the fear of losing your pride, for it will only become a muzzle that has suffocated your voice.

This is my confrontation to you and my PLEAD for all you to raise your voice, be BOLD and be YOU. My name is Tiffany Lin, I am Chinese, I am Australian, I am a Woman, I am a Youth...and I will turn my head no longer. My eyes will see your ignorance and I will no longer submit to tolerance.

about the author: tiffany lin Tiffany is a passionate, young woman in Year 11. Her expressive thoughts had always been muted by her fear of rejection, but no more, she is forever learning about the world and herself. She believes that every single person has a chance to speak out. “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” No matter how small, Tiffany wants to encourage all voices to take their stand and make that change. illustration credit to @camixvx

illustration credit to @lillidesigns

news analysis: many politicians lie. but trump has elevated the art of original article by sheryl stolberg fabrication. the new york times, 7 Aug 2017 “[Trump] has forever changed what Americans are willing to tolerate from their leaders.”

People have always expected honesty from their elected representatives. However, as Sheryl Stolberg points out, politicians have had a long history of fabrication.

Stolberg takes the reader through a brief history of lies in American politics. Beginning with Dwight Eisenhower in 1960, the article revisits famous examples such as the Watergate scandal, Bill Clinton’s extramarital affair and the Iraq War. Each case is examined in terms of what the politicians said and the events that unfolded thereafter, revealing that the public has had a long tradition of intolerance when it comes to their politician’s dishonesty.

Given this, the article draws attention to the particularly baffling circumstances of our political climate today. From the time he announced his run for presidency, lies have been a mainstay in Donald Trump’s words. He seems to top the fabrications of his predecessors in almost every way – magnitude, volume and severity. Previous presidents have lied to cover up their own mistakes or to protect their image, but Trump has built a campaign and entire policies around misinformation.

In a time when politicians lend legitimacy to falsehoods, Stolberg’s detailed analysis of “the conflict between truth and politics” is a worthwhile read.

critical analysis by yan zhai

that is where we come in by kupakwashe matangira Since World War Two, there has never been

fighting for their rights. Advocacy is not an

such great a plight humanitarian crises. It

event, but rather, a process. It is a well

almost seems as though every corner of

known truth that one day, young people

the world is plagued by injustice, from

will be the ones occupying the offices of

famine to conflict- hunger to political

power and leading the global push for

struggles. Our world is in dire need of

change. But our advocacy journeys don’t

saviours, people who can gravitate the

have to start then. We need to start now.

world and lead it to greater heights.

William Faulkner once said: That’s where we come into the picture.

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against

Though young people cannot readily right

injustice and lying and greed. If people all

all of these injustices, we are passionate

over the world...would do this, it would

advocates for a better world. Therefore, we

change the earth.”

must take it upon ourselves to raise our

William Faulkner’s words are truthful,

voices, speak up for the powerless and

advocacy can, and will change the world. It

stand for those who cannot do so for

only takes one person standing up for what

themselves. Advocacy is our only answer.

they believe in to spark a movement for change. Look at Nelson Mandela, a man

Advocacy can be described as taking up

who worked tirelessly to end apartheid and

someone else’s issue as your own and

create a united South Africa, despite the personal costs this brought to him. illustration credit to @lillidesigns

Mahatma Ghandi, Rosa Parks, Benazir Bhutto, these people all knew what they were fighting for. They were incredible advocates for what they believed in and subsequently led movements that changed their community, country and the world.

One thing, amongst many, that these people had in common was their willingness to never give up. As advocates, it is our duty to protect and preserve hope despite the circumstances, for this reason, giving up is never an option.

What often impedes our advocacy is the thought that being young is a barrier to creating change. Years ago, I used to think that no one would listen to or take seriously what I had to say because of my age. Then, someone told me that the only barriers that stand in my way are the ones I allow to do so.

Age does not hinder your impact as an advocate unless you allow it to. Young people are nuanced and diverse, we never take no for an answer. Have the vision to see change happen.

Our age is not what holds us back, but rather, what propels us forward.

Ghandi told us to “be the change that we want to see in the world�. We each have issues that we are passionate about, whether it be climate change or Indigenous rights- the list is endless. Whatever the issue may be, change lies with us. If we choose to be powerful advocates, then change is inevitable. But if we remain silent and fail to raise our voices, we encourage the injustices we see in the world and allow them to live on.

about the author Kupakwashe is a passionate human rights activist who strives to see a world where all people are treated equally, because this is the dignity that all people are entitled to. She believes in the power of young people to create change and be a positive voice in Australian affairs. When Kupa is not bringing light to an issue, she can be found reading a book or playing a board game with her friends. illustration credit to @lillidesigns

books worth reading.

NON FICTION Chapter One: You Have the Power to Change Stuff by Daniel Flynn This book is the story of Thankyou, how three friends put together a successful non-profit organisation. Whether the book is read from a business or social justice point of view, it will prove to be an inspiring story about perseverance to make things happen.

NON FICTION Writing to Change the World

by Mary Pipher An encouraging read, acclaimed writer Mary Pipher delves deep into both the essential need for people to communicate their hopes and fears, as well as the true role of writers in a chaotic world. Although not a recent book, its gentle yet firm assertion that words are powerful is a timeless message.

NON FICTION Start Something That Matters

by Blake Mycoskie Following a transformative trip to Argentina, entrepreneur and former reality show contestant Blake Mycoskie launched TOMS Shoes. Based on the lessons he learnt in launching his “one-for-one� business model with worldwide appeal, this book is practical as it is earnest. illustration credit to @lillidesigns

illustration credit to @lillidesigns