An interview with: Thokozani Mbwana

AN INTERVIEW WITH: THOKOZANI MBWANA.

THOKOZANI MBWANA, ARTIST/EDUCATOR, UNIVERSITY OF SURREY (2015).

What does the notion of the body politić look like now? A global black consciousness that has evolved over decades where, with the help of social media and technology we have been able to connect with one another in the lived experiences of blackness in black spaces and blackness in white spaces within diaspora and homelands. Black people are able to, in their works of art, media and social commentary, create narratives that we are more able to relate to across the world, more so than ever before.

What embodies ‘blackness in the white landscape’, and what does this look like to you? The embodiment of ‘blackness in the white landscape’ for me, is Afropunk taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa. The location of the event takes place on Constitution Hill- which originally was a prison that held white male prisoners during the Anglo-Boer war and later black and white political activists who opposed apartheid. Constitution Hill is one of the many blatant, physical reminders of apartheid and colonial history and having an event that celebrates blackness in all forms is the embodiment of blackness in the white landscape.

What are the differences in gender related issues / topics / relationships? The differences in gender related issues can range from the different experiences and needs of western feminism compared to postcolonial third world feminism (African and Eastern), to issues of the way we are socialised into heteronormativity as heterosexual and LGBTQ+ people.

What are the differences between the British and American microcosms in the discussion of race? The race issues in Britain are somewhat downplayed as not as rampant as in America. It therefore creates an environment where, in America talks about race are endless- and rightly so, whereas in Britain there might not be a constant flow of conversation. The belief that “racism doesn’t exist until something racist happens” (racism in isolation) is far more perpetuated in Britain. Even though there are issues in the way history is taughtand the biases of the western perception, in America, there is recognition of civil rights movements and some mention of black and native history to aid in dialogues about race. In Britain the focus of history is on the imperial efforts of the empire and very little, if at all on the narratives of the many immigrants from different nations that make up a significant percentage of the British population today. Currently the focus in America on race issues is the school to prison pipeline, the immigration ban and police brutality whereas in Britain the focus is on the underlying issues of xenophobia and racism in Brexit and the increase in hate crimes.

How are issues of body politics manifested, visualised and framed in the everyday?

Issues of body politics can be demonstrated everyday in the microaggressions we experience in workplaces and schools. It manifests in everyday rape culture, diet culture and advertisement and in news media.

How do issues of racial body politics

affect all people of colour? It creates a sense of disconnect from the mind and the body where all people of colour live in constant fear and anxiety of the racialised experiences they endure.

What are the ways / tools / methods that have been used to further reinforce negative stereotypes into society? Reinforcing negative stereotypes begins with socialisation and is further perpetuated through education systems and media.

it its relationship to questions of power? The narrative of colour-blindness in postracial societies, the illusion of “equality” and the perpetuation of the narrative that those who are oppressed need to self-regulate their emotions when discussing race issues to be deemed ‘human’ enough to be heard.

What about the possibility of black liberation? It is possible, with the continued unification of black peoples across the world. However, it would also require the white supremacist society to relinquish its power and the total restructuring of society to ensure real freedom for all people of colour.

What is the applicability of a collective body politić in relation to black trauma? The applicability and significance of a collective body politic enables black people, globally to learn about each other’s experiences- similarities and differences and allows us the platform to heal through different forms of expression and medium.

Are issues of ‘otherness’ still prevalent in today’s ‘post-racial’ societies? Yes, centuries of oppression does not erase the 400+ year head start white society has had in which they have maintained their imperialism through capitalism. Otherness will continue to exist in all facets of society so long as there is a power imbalance.

What typifies and justifies ‘whiteness’ in

gon’ be alright” to Beyonce telling us to ‘get in formation’. We have music that help keep the momentum about black liberation alive.

What is the applicability of a collective body politić in relation to black trauma? Black trauma can never be ignored and left out of the conversation, it is a natural response to talk about our lived experience and how many of us relate to it. Outside of our experience we are made to think we’re being sensitive about black trauma but when you can switch on the news or social media, how many videos do you see of black men and women being brutalised and becoming a hashtag, how many prayers do you see on twitter and instagram? Black trauma makes the conversation harder, and it’s something we see far too often. Take Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ music video, which is filled with so much violence that is inflicted on black bodies, this is the history of America, but somehow you find yourself enjoying the song and watching the video on repeat, black trauma is far too normalised but it is relevant to speak about as a collective because it is something that we haven’t managed to stop just yet.

things and have embraced being other.

What typifies and justifies ‘whiteness’ in it its relationship to questions of power? We could look at the Serena Williams as an example and the way the media treats her in comparison to Maria Sharipova, her so called rival. A journalist waited 14 years to ask Serena Williams if she was intimidated by Sharipova’s “supermodel looks”. This is a clear justification of whiteness and it’s power, that even though Serena Williams has proven time and time again that she is one of the greatest athletes of our time. Regardless of her achievements this question has told her exactly what she isn’t, white and without supermodel attributes.

Are issues of ‘otherness’ still prevalent in today’s ‘post-racial’ societies? Post-racial societies are a myth. We are still considered ‘other’ if we weren’t I’d be able to walk into my local superdrug and find my foundation shade because I am included in the conversations that surrounds beauty. If we lived in a post racial society, wearing your afro out in the workplace or at school wouldn’t make headline news in South Africa or Kensington. If we weren’t so ‘other’ more would’ve been done to help the victims of Grenfell. If we weren’t so other we would see more roles in cinema with us in mind, the girl next door type. Post-racial societies do have the potential to exist if all other tropes of negative stereotypes cease to exist, but it’s still something we’re trying to fight. But in our otherness we have created beautiful

BODY IMAGE AND DIVERSITY IN THE FASHION

INDUSTRY.

YUWEN HSIEH, FASHION MEDIA PRODUCTION,

LCF (2019).

Watch here: shadesofnoir.org.uk/son-interview-body-positivemodel-kitty-underhill-talks-about-bodyimages-and-diversity-in-fashion-industry/ or scan the QR.