What kind of power would you like?
Invulnerability
How would it manifest? What would enable it?
The power ‘invulnerability’ would provide me with immunity from mental and spiritual damage. I would not suffer from depression, anxiety or simple (but debilitating) fears such as flying and crowded locations. Instead these worries would be immediately deflected, leaving me calm and protected from internalised harm. I envision this to be enabled by a simple gesture, such as putting on a pair of Dr Martens, which would give me the grounding and stability to engage an energy-field of sorts subsequently boosting my confidence and self-belief.
Who is your favourite superhero/person/public figure, contemporary or imagined?
To be honest, I have never really had a specific favourite superhero/person/public figure. I get more inspired by everyday people that I meet through personal encounters. They are often strong, independent women who know exactly what they’re doing and where they’re going. I listen to them talking and feel their energy and zest for life. It is these types of people that I wish to learn from.
What do you admire most about Frida Kahlo and "Freda" Josephine Baker?
I really admire how honest Frida Kahlo was about herself, as seen through her self-portraiture. Her paintings literally provide an insight into her tormented soul that was disturbed by horrific injury and heartbreak. The torn open rib cage, thorny branches wound around her neck and bared anatomical hearts have an acute sense of desolation. However in each portrait her facial expression remains the same. There is no cry of pain or tears behind her eyes, instead there is a stoic determination that dares the viewer to question her womanhood, individuality and purpose in life.
Whilst Frida Kahlo could be seen as experiencing a personal, therapeutic response to adversity, her artistic recognition predominately came posthumously. On the other hand, “Freda” Josephine Baker experienced fame and recognition in her era, however at the time this fame and recognition was not seen equally – due to the colour of her skin. I admire Freda’s bravery to stand up for her rights and become a leader in the civil rights movement. She highlighted the racism that was still rife in parts of the world, and brought attention to issues that had previously avoided recognition of any wrongdoing. She never wavered in her campaign, which is particularly evident in her refusal to perform for segregated audiences. By doing so, the audiences became a spectacle and Freda succeeded in emphasising the backwardness of their thinking.
What do you think of when you think of them?
Both women showcased honesty and bravery within themselves, and did not allow outside forces to bring them down. Their internal strength and commitment gave them the power they needed to continue as independent women in their respective worlds. By believing in themselves, others followed suit. This paved the way for change and respect.
What would you change in Melbourne? Australia? The world?
There are so many things that could be changed, from the mundane to the pressing. For example, I would encourage the adoption of a 4-day work week so we could all spend more time with the people we love. I would also change the attitude towards climate change, inciting consideration and protection of our environment and the animals we coexist with. Sometimes I feel like the human race is sucking the earth dry of all its natural glory.
Are there any other issues that are important to you? Locally? Globally?
I believe that the treatment and stereotyping of Indigenous Australians is a widely ignored issue that needs to be nationally and globally addressed. To this day, there is a lack of understanding regarding the incredible diversity of Indigenous Australian culture. The government intensifies this by not providing appropriate recognition of both the history of Australia and the process of moving forward. Their nonchalant approach towards such affairs feeds the common misconceptions that exist and enables the continuation of destructive mining, displacement, and discriminating services that the general public seem blind to.
Do you feel comfortable speaking your mind/putting ideas into the world?
Yes, I do, but I probably felt more comfortable when I was younger and didn’t feel the external pressures of bureaucracies and peer groups bearing down upon me. I’m also very conscious of the subjective nature of speaking one’s mind (and the subjective lens of someone listening to you). I often try to gauge the situation before speaking my mind.
Do you feel like change is possible in your area? How?
It is definitely possible. We just need people who are natural leaders with the ability to find common ground with everyone regardless of their cultural background and beliefs.
Do you feel like your ideas could change anything?
I’m a big believer in the power of people. I would be more likely to support the fantastic ideas of others. Having numbers behind an idea gathers momentum, passion and an almost feverish pitch to activities of change. I honestly don’t think little old me could do much, but when you consider Frida and Freda perhaps I should believe in myself more and take that step up.
Do you consider yourself feminist? Womanist? Why? Why not? What does this mean to you?
I don’t think I have ever truly understood what is means to be a feminist or womanist. Certain female-specific injustices bring up what I think is the ‘feminist’ in me, such as unequal wages, violence against women and attacks from strangers, aspects of maternity leave. There are things that I feel passionate about and I campaign for them, but I don’t exclusively see myself under the banner of feminist or womanist.
How often do you subconsciously / consciously think about your desired superpowers when you dress on a daily basis?
Quite often. The way I dress or what I’m specifically wearing has a massive impact on how I project myself to the outside world. My Dr Martens will always give me a sense of invulnerability.
