Jordyn Stump

IMAGES Cultural Showcase

On November 14th, I attended the IMAGES: A Reflection of Cultures showcase at the
Knickerbocker Theatre. The exhibit began at 7 pm and lasted for just over two hours. IMAGES
represented a variety of cultures through fashion and multiple dance, musical, and song
performances. Over 60 students participated in the event, with many international students
representing their home countries. Between the fourteen performances, Brazilian, Vietnamese,
French, Spanish, Latin, Sri Lankan, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, German, Korean, and African
cultures were represented. Through skits and artistic performances, the participants aimed to
offer a glimpse into their unique cultures and showcase unique and prominent traditions. The
event was free of admission, but each year donations are collected to benefit a special cause. This
year, freewill offerings are being donated to the Santi School Project. This project renovates rural
schools and is currently raising funds to renovate the schools that were damaged by the 2015
earthquake that devastated Nepal.
Ive known about IMAGES since I was a freshman at Hope, but this was the first year I
pushed myself to actually attend this event. I knew it would be a cultural challenge for me, which
is why I think I was nervous and reluctant to attend in previous years. Admittedly, I dont have a
diverse friend group here at Hope and I am very uneducated about many of the cultures that my
fellow students come from. I was hesitant to attend IMAGES because I didnt want my oblivion,
lack of knowledge, and sometimes even a lack of interest about other cultures, to be noticed by
others. Attending IMAGES, however, it became very clear that its intent wasnt to shame others
for their lack of cultural awareness. Rather, the showcase was very inclusive and sought to
embrace and invite the entire audience into every culture that was being portrayed. At some
points, I did feel self-conscious because I didnt know the language being sung or I was clueless
to why certain actions were taking place. But I know now that being uncomfortable doesnt have
to have negative connotations with it. Being uncomfortable in an intercultural experience is to be
expected, and it just means that I have more learning to do.
Due to the number of cultures that were being represented, we werent taught about each
culture extensively. Many of the performances, while impressive and educational, were quite
brief and offered insight into only a few facets of a particular culture. I got to see many
traditional clothing and witness amazing dance techniques and musical traditions. The Brazilian
Drumming ensemble started the show with a vibrant and engaging performance, while certain
cultural rituals were shown in later performances such as the Vietnamese Hat Dance and the Sri
Lankan Harvest Dance. Overall, it was enlightening to see the pride and love that all participants
had for the cultures they were representing. The performers were so joyful and it was obvious
how much they enjoyed getting to share a piece of their identity with the crowd.
IMAGES was a stand-out event on its own, but coming after the November 13th terrorist
attacks in Paris, it was especially poignant. The French flag was displayed at the end of multiple
performances, and the French group held up signs saying: Tonight, we are all Parisians. It was
such an important reminder to take pride in our own cultures, but to also support the cultures
around us. Each culture has something unique and beautiful to offer, and we need to honor all
cultures equally. In relation to Drive CQ specifically, I realized that I shouldve attended
IMAGES the first time I heard about it. Even though I was afraid of being uncomfortable, I had
been missing out on a unifying, uplifting event.