***first published by What She Says Project on their website and their Instagram. It is also archived under "SHE SAID" on their Instagram Highlights. The interview was completed on October 3rd 2020.
JAIME
Recent graduate of The Ohio State University in Neuroscience and Theatre | INTJ intersectional feminist actively fighing for racial and climate justice | Columbus, OH Instagram: @jaimygdala 1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
The pause that came with spending time to myself due to the pandemic. I have had the space to reflect on my actions and inherent privilege as a cis, heterosexual-passing woman, and how to better live my life meaningfully going forwards. Also, I’ve read more books this year than I ever did since graduating high school, so yay!
2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS? Denouncing previous friends that hold very problematic views of people and the world. Discovering that people I once confided in had no problem repeating rhetoric that I actively fight against, sucks. 3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE? That we should all approach issues of contention with a perspective of 'both/and' as opposed to 'either/or'. We need to talk about issues with more empathy instead of this weird disembodied, clinical view, that seems to be the norm for discourse. 4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE? That I might not see my grandmother again before she passes. She was hospitalized due to complications with food poisoning. I can’t fly back home to Malaysia to see her right now as travel is restricted due to the ongoing pandemic. 5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE? Brandy Norwood, always and forever. She was my Madonna growing up, and was so influential in expanding my horizons of what it means to be authentically yourself.
6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN? Pay attention, stir your conscience, and fight for justice for all women at all stages of their lives in all circumstances. We don't need The Handmaid's Tale to be real.
A few more questions about the current situation (covid-19, lockdown, black lives matter protests, politics, finances, mental health, health, and so much more):
7) THE WORLD HAS BEEN CHANGING DRAMATICALLY IN RECENT MONTHS, HOW ARE YOU COPING? By immersing myself in the written word, and spending my time and energy with people that radiate the same positive sunshine back at me. No time for people to waste it! 8) WHICH CHANGE HAS AFFECTED YOU THE MOST / HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU PERSONALLY? Probably not being able to land my dream job as a performer for Joel Slaven's Professional Animal company. They closed down all shows at the zoos they were previously connected with due to the pandemic, and have since ceased operations. 9) WHAT ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE MOST? That the racial tensions in America will eventually boil over in an all-out insurgence. It's clear who the government is choosing to protect and serve, and I'm very scared of the outcome after the November elections.
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