Interview Nine
10/1/15: An artist who should be on a run-a-way runway via Facebook
Hi. Who are you? That’s such a loaded question haha. Do I just state my name, or? In that case, it's Phoebe.
What do you think makes you different from others? I suppose on a very basic level we are all innately similar with the same drives and biological needs, but then more superficially, I suppose our our experiences of life, how and where we grow up and the situations we face shape the way we view the world and ourselves. On that level every single person is different from others. I like to think that I'm 'different' and unique, but then I remember how insignificant I am in the scheme of things. Haha.
I guess when you think about how many people there are on earth, and how many there have been, and ever will be, nothing seems very important. It comforting and terrifying at the same time. I feel different to most people because I tend to see things very objectively. I tend to view things very clinically and not apply real-world issues to myself, if that makes sense. Somehow I'm also a very emotional person.
How do you feel about your family? Haha, well. From outside I guess we look like a perfect nuclear family, but if I really think about it I'm content with the values and morals my parents raised me with, they both have a strong social conscience, which is something I also share. We don't always get along because we're all very different - I have two younger brothers (that says it all, doesn't it - haha), but they really are good, honest and authentic people who are trying their best. Do you think your family fits in with the term 'nuclear family', even you imply it doesn't? In the traditional sense of 'soccer mom', male breadwinner thing yes, but value wise they, (we?) are very egalitarian I suppose; they're very accepting people, they're not fussed that I'm queer or anything haha. I'm not sure how to explain it really, but despite being a typical 'family' unit, they are very open-minded and progressive, they don't hold conservative 'family-first' beliefs.
What is something you are passionate about? I'm passionate about so many things/ I'm passionate about knowledge and trying to better myself as a person by learning and absorbing all I can; I'm constantly reading all these facts and bits of information about random topics, there's a small part of me that wants to know everything there is to know about this world (however unrealistic this is, haha). Similarly, I'm very passionate about social issues and the treatment of minority groups historically and contemporarily. I suppose I would classify myself as an intersectional feminist; I'm passionate about not just equality, but also justice for oppressed groups, and how issues of sexism, racism, discrimination of LGBT+ people, and other civil rights issues overlap.That's really awesome. I don't really see it as awesome. I see it as a part of everyday life that's necessary if we want to achieve a better society. What do you think people can do, to achieve a better society? I think it's all about education. It's good to see youth today educating themselves and actively participating in bettering society, but I definitely think it needs to be brought into the mainstream. Even being a feminist is seen as 'radical' rather than the norm. Many social issues aren't covered in mainstream media, for obvious reasons, so individuals have to seek out knowledge and information if they want to see change. As you said, opinions change opinions.
What are five words that fascinate you? Acquiescence. Transience. Archetypal. Ethereal. Not so much the word itself, but it's meaning and people's preoccupation with 'virginity.' Those are the first that come to mind. How do you define virginity personally? I understand that someone's first sexual experience may hold emotional or spiritual value for them, and that's totally fine, but I don't like how the concept of 'purity' is used to shame women for having sex (or not) and choosing to use their bodies how they please. Interesting enough, the same standards aren't upheld for men; women 'lose' their virginity, while men 'take' it. I find it totally archaic.
What one of the seven deadly sins do you believe you commit the most? I'd like not so say sloth, but if I'm being honest... What would you prefer if sloth isn't the 'truth'. My main 'resolution' for this year was to do more, create more, live more. Sloth contradicts that. I don't think there would be a preferred answer, considering they are sins after all, but lust I suppose if I had to pick one. Living in the moment, giving in to temptation rather than maintaining self-control. That sounds fun.
What's you opinion of cut down trees? It's not preferable in regards to environmental impact, I don't see why tree farms aren't used more widely. So, would you consider yourself an environmentalist, or not that fussed? To be honest, I'm not actually very concerned. I know it's something I should care about but there are other issues I feel more strongly about that I prioritise over environmental activism. That may be selfish to deem the environment, plants and animals inferior, but thats just my personal belief. I know a lot of people disagree, but I don't see how people can work together to fix environmental issues and animal rights issues if we don't fix human rights issues first.
Name someone you love and hate. I love so many people; I don't believe that loving lots of people openly or verbally diminishes its meaning - they're different types of love that manifest themselves in different ways. That being said, I do love some people more than others, like my mum, my girlfriend, you know.
Hate - in a way I can't hate anyone because every single person I've met has altered me in some way and caused me to grow as a person. I can't resent that.
Where is your favourite spot? I don't think there's a single place in which I'm 'happiest' or whatever, it has more to do with who I'm with and what I'm doing. Conversely, I always feel at home curled up on a couch with a book, no matter where I am.
