HUM 102 Final Paper
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
HUM-102
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by JusticeFreedom102711
Mariah Poole
Southern New Hampshire University
Self Society and Humanities
Katherine Saffle
October 15, 2023
2
Part One: Choose the Creative Works
1.
I selected mental health as my topic of choice as it relates to my career choice. Regarding mental
health representation, I found Garden State by Zach Braff (2004) to be the most relatable
example of a performing arts piece. The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh (1889) stood out as a
visual creative work.
2.
What struck me about Garden State was the use of sound and visuals to convey the emotional
experience of mental health challenges. The soundtrack was particularly effective in reaching
those who better understand through auditory cues, allowing them to empathize with a group
outside their social norm. Meanwhile, The Starry Night is a widely recognized painting that takes
on new meaning when viewed through the lens of its creator's mental state.
3.
Having diverse perspectives on sensitive subjects can effectively show you another side of a
situation you may not have considered before. There is always more than one way to look at
something, but until you experience it, it can be challenging to understand honestly. In my two
creative works, Garden State and Starry Night, I aim to shed light on the beautiful side of mental
health.
Both works offer a window into the perspective of those struggling with mental health issues,
allowing the viewer to gain insight and understanding even if they have not personally
experienced such challenges. For example, Garden State portrays the impact that heavy doses of
antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can have on one's clarity of life, which may be
3
difficult for someone who has not experienced a mental disorder to grasp fully. The artwork,
Starry Night, offers a glimpse into the world of an insane asylum, a place that most individuals
will thankfully never have to experience. Rather than portraying the typical image of sterile,
white walls and patients in strait jackets, the painting presents a sense of tranquility and
balance, reminding us that there is always good to be found amidst the bad.
4.
Introducing different viewpoints on mental health can help people become more comfortable
discussing diverse topics. It may also help people with biases or negative beliefs about mental
illness understand that it is a complex and unique experience that varies from person to person.
Despite assumptions, mental illness should not be considered ugly, and individuals should not be
judged or belittled because of it. The characters in Garden State are quirky and lovable despite
dealing with mental disorders. In Starry Night, a serene sky view from a mental patient's
perspective. It opens a frightening mental health door to a pleasant surprise on the other side.
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Part Two: Self and Society
1.
Many people get scared when faced with new ideas and experiences and stay within their
comfort zone. However, confronting real-life problems and challenges can ultimately lead to
personal growth and development. Movies like Garden State give us encounters, such as an
inside view of those struggling with a disorder or diagnosis. That human connection makes it a
more realistic possibility it’s happening to those around you. Seeing depictions of hope and
strength can help combat the damaging stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health.
2.
Society's understanding of mental health has evolved over the past few decades. While
depression was once an option for institutionalization, we now recognize it as a treatable
condition caused by chemical imbalances. We can increase empathy and understanding for
those with mental health disorders through relatable movies and images created by respected
figures.
3.
Mental illness may be stigmatized and considered non-existent in certain cultures unless
acknowledged. Unfortunately, this approach does not effectively solve the underlying issue. It is
essential to recognize that all individuals have a basic need for human connection, whether
through visual, verbal, or performance-based means.
4.
Experiencing these various art forms allows people to see things from a more diverse
perspective, therefore being able to walk in someone else’s shoes. This can lead to greater
empathy and understanding of other viewpoints, which can help individuals see themselves as
part of a larger, connected world. It can also challenge stereotypes and prejudices, promoting a
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healthier society. By openly discussing mental health, educating ourselves about its
misconceptions, and showing compassion towards those struggling, we can break down the
stigma associated with mental illness.
5.
Most humans have a difficult time understanding what they’ve never experienced. Seeing an
outside point of view can help you gain a different perspective that is more open than what it
could initially be. I, for example, am able to view prescription medications as positive when
properly prescribed because they helped for a period in my teen years. I can see and understand
the benefits of medicines, whereas another person might automatically assume the person
being prescribed medication is “crazy” or “insane.” Raising awareness about unfamiliar topics
can help us better understand and empathize with each other as a society. Also, creative works
can challenge social norms and present alternative viewpoints, allowing individuals to question
their identities. Therefore, critically thinking about creative works is necessary to comprehend
their impact on one's self-concept.
6
Part Three: Identity and the Humanities
1.
The humanities significantly influence how individuals perceive themselves. These works often
explore identity, such as culture, gender, and personal identity. And, because people are
different, they may respond differently to the same artwork or literary piece based on their
personal experiences or how they identify with themselves.
2.
Various factors, including our family background, ethnicity, race, and sexuality, shape our
identity. We gain most of our integral values from our family unit or based on religious grounds.
Additionally, our experiences can influence our identity, whether through personal interactions
or artistic expressions such as visual, performing, or literary works. As individuals encounter new
experiences or different social and cultural influences, their identities will evolve and change.
3.
The creative arts often touch on complex emotions and human experiences. When individuals
engage with these works, they may find it easier to identify and process their feelings, leading to
a better understanding of themselves. Depending on one's self-identity, it largely influences the
type of creative works one explores. People experience different emotions while engaging with
various forms of art. One may feel transported back in time while immersing themselves in an
art gallery, while another person may be moved to tears while watching an opera or movie.
Understanding human emotions is a complex task requiring all arts to make sense of it.
4.
Gaining diverse perspectives can heavily influence an individual's self-concept by expanding their
understanding of themselves and their world. This can lead to a more comprehensive, self-aware
self-concept that evolves as individuals grow. Thinking about others’ viewpoints as we
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progressed through the course was interesting. It became clear that we were all different in
many ways, expressed through our choice of creative topics, music preferences, and methods of
communication. However, despite our differences, we were all connected through the course
and found ourselves somehow in the same place in life. A fellow student gained a different
perspective by choosing an article about women artists as his topic. As a class from all over the
country, we bonded through discussion boards by hearing about things like addiction, other
religions, or lifestyles. I am not a man, I have never gone through addiction, and we live
completely different lifestyles. However, hearing about their experiences helps me understand
them better and, in turn, better understand myself.
References
Braff, Z. (2004).
Garden State
.
Vincent van Gogh. the starry night. Saint Rémy, June 1889: Moma
. The Museum of Modern Art.
(n.d.). https://www.moma.org/collection/works/79802