A little Mischief, a lot of Intelligence!
By Terry Marshall
On June 17-22 Intelligent mischief members traveled to Detroit to attend the 17th Annual Allied Media Conference in Detroit, Michigan. There, we presented a workshop titled "Grieving Through Humor: The Black Body Survival Guide." We opened up the space by asking people, "Why are you here?" to which many responded, “I wanted a space to discuss the conditions of black people but at the same time relax, and not be so heavy”. This answer sums up one of the main purposes of the Black Body Survival Guide.
The Black Body Survival Guide is a multi-media compilation of satirical tips, tricks, and tools created in response to the current moment in the history of violence against black people. It is a survival book, a series of survival tools, performance art, an online show, and a social media campaign carefully co-created in consultation with black people of all backgrounds. In satirizing the unwritten new rules of surviving in ‘post-racial’ America with a black body, the Black Body Survival Guide highlights the absurdity of the moment by making the invisible visible, and exposing a reality that has devastating consequences.
During the AMC workshop our presenters explained the history of political satire from medieval court jesters to black comics like Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, and Comedy Central's The Daily Show. We then hacked a staple Center for Story-Based Strategy tool, Elements Of A Story, and used it to get participants to think of satirical tips & items for black survival.
Conflict
What is your black body problem?
Characters
What kind of black identity do you have?
Imagery
What is an image of your problem? Or what does your problem look like?
Foreshadowing
What is a possible solution to your problem?
Assumption
*Assumptions
*What do we have to believe in order to believe that the story is true?
The work of the Black Body Survival Guide is a timely & tangible example of SBS praxis! It truly is story-based strategic theory in action that we hope inspires others in the CSS network/community.
Needless to say, the Center for Story-Based Strategy has been very excited about our work and offered to help with the creation of an actual, carry it with you, Black Body Survival Guide tool.
Our collaborative effort made way for the Black Body Survival Card for your Caucasian co-signer!
And while these cards made have made their debut at the conference, they are available for purchase along with your very own pre-ordered copy of the Black Body Survival Guide Book coming to print soon.
SO GET YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK & SOME OTHER GREAT ITEMS TODAY!
VISIT THE BBSG INDIEGOGO PAGE
HTTP://IGG.ME/AT/BBSG/X/4192628
