What kind of power would you like?
Telempathy.
How would it manifest? What would enable it?
I would sense someone else emotions by looking through their eyes and would convey my own emotions by my smile/laugh if I notice that they feel low, depressed or unhappy.
Who is your favourite superhero/person/public figure, contemporary or imagined?
Michel Colucci best known as Coluche. He was a french comedian, actor and political activist in the 70s-80s. Coluche, besides being a comedian, cared for people. A humanitarian, he created in the 80s the “Restos du Coeur” whose charity collects food, money and clothes for the needy and the homeless. Also, he got involved in politics and was a candidate to the French presidential elections in 1981. He died couple years later from a motorcycle accident. Some conspiracy theories alleged that he might have been murdered because of his political engagement.
What do you admire most about Frida Kahlo and "Freda" Josephine Baker?
What do you think of when you think of them?
I admire the fact that they were both two independent women, the way Frida dealt with her pain, how she taught herself how to paint as well as her creativity. I also respect Freda’s perseverance, generosity and devotion towards others. I found her life challenging and such a good example on how someone can pursue her passion alongside being engaged in political, civil and humanitarian issues.
What would you change in Melbourne? Australia? The world?
Where should I start? So many issues can be resolved…I guess the thing that annoys me the most is our consumer society that pushes most of people to be focusing on themselves and to succeed in their life rather than helping others. We can all make a difference; it doesn’t mean that we should all be activists of a big cause but we can always have some input towards others such as doing some voluntary work, spreading awareness about an issue, funding a cause, helping our community and so on. Even small changes are a good start!
Are there any other issues that are important to you? Locally? Globally?
We are lucky to live in Australia, to live a comfortable life, to be educated and have choices available to us so many don’t have this chance. It is the reason why I have planned to go to India and Middle East next year to contribute and help others. I want to act and experience what some live on a daily basis.
Do you feel like change is possible in these areas? How?
Change is always possible – it is just a matter of time and input I guess…
Do you think your ideas could change anything?
I would say that actions rather than ideas could change something! Spreading awareness of specific issues is a good start but the act of doing is even more powerful, helpful and meaningful…
Are you comfortable speaking your mind/putting ideas into the world?
I feel more comfortable speaking up my mind. I used not to though but I guess I learned to express myself and feel confident with my ideas. During my teenage years, I felt that I had to agree with others’ ideas. I was shy at that time and didn’t want to feel different disagreeing about a statement or someone else’s idea. For some reason, I was convinced that my thoughts and ideas weren’t good enough. I have built my assurance and now feel comfortable engaging about my ideas.
Do you consider yourself a feminist? Womanist? Why/why not? What does this mean to you?
I would consider myself more as a humanist… I do believe that women should have the same rights than men but I also think that other humanitarian issues are as important as women rights.
How often do you subconsciously/consciously think about your desired superpower when you dress on a daily basis?
Honestly, I haven’t thought about it – I like wearing colourful clothes so it might be my subconscious that tries to brighten up others’ lives as well as mine…
