Spotlight: Vox In-House Videographer!

Introducing Andrew Au, Vox Culture's In-House Videographer! As we seek to continue to provide innovative and creative ways of reaching our audience through technology, Andrew is our main man behind the lens filming and editing material related to Vox. Keep your eyes posted on our website, as well as on FaceBook, to checkout some of Andrew's work and see all the new happenings at Vox!

 I was born and raised here in Houston, Texas and have lived through most of the events that have taken place in the greater Houston area. Growing up I have been taught to also express myself in all that I do, whether it be in school, music, sports, or just being myself. A phrase that I've been told growing up was, "just be yourself," with which I would be able to enjoy myself without the fear of being judged by others. Currently I am working as a Fund Accountant, managing several funds and a lot of numbers. It may seem daunting and tedious at first but I find it enjoyable because of the fact that I have an effect on something greater, as well as the ability to solve problems. During my free time I really love to watch movies, and television shows that focus more on the story line and the development of the story line overall. This sparked a lot of ideas throughout the beginning of my college years, and my friends and I started a short films production crew. It was a fun experience and it really allowed me to express my abilities in acting (which I wasn't too good at), and producing short films. I found enjoyment in being able to show others a story.

What is your favorite icecream? I would have to say my favorite ice cream flavor would be Pistachio with Almonds. Even though pistachios have a salty flavor and they are a nut, the ice cream is green. It intrigued me at first, and I just wanted to try it out and thought the almonds were pistachios.

What is your favorite movie? I have a few, but I would have to say one of my favorite films would be The Butterfly Effect. The reasoning is for the psychological thriller behind the story and the portrayal of the entire film itself. The ability to see certain outcomes and events unfold by altering memories, would allow there to be alternate futures for the individual. At the same time, the ability to understand that all that we do has an effect for the future. I feel like this pertains to how we should also live our lives, and make decisions based on our personal experiences, and live life to the fullest. The thought provoking nature of this movie allowed me to search for the meaning of what the movie was trying to really say, or what the director and producer were trying to convey to their audience. With which I would have to say was done quite successfully, and in a amazing manner.

If you could play a part in the making of a film, which role would you like to be, the director, producer, actor, or any another role? I would have to say probably being one of the actors, mainly to show others what you feel this character is trying to say without truly having a personality or background to live off of. The ability to step out of one's personality and into another to show what portrayal a character may be like based on limited knowledge of their life. At the same time, it is also showing the audience how you want them to receive the story and underlying themes of the film.

Which fictional character (of any movie, film, tv show, etc) do you feel best compares to you in real life? J.D. from the television show Scrubs. A very quirky guy who is trying to make it through his internship/residency at Sacred Heart Hospital. He tends to narrate to himself, and ends up daydreaming of hilarious, yet seemingly realistic circumstances. Though J.D.'s goal in becoming a doctor is to serve those who need help. With which each time J.D. experiences an epiphany throughout each time something occurs, and lives by it. Whether it be good or bad, I try to learn from my past experiences and live by it day to day. I usually go through my day thinking of it as a story to tell someone, but at the same time being able to laugh at myself and living my life without any regrets. I wish to serve those around me in hopes of bringing them sort of joy.

To check out Andrew's own short films, follow this link: http://vimeo.com/wokamolemovies  

The Link Between Immigration and Refugees

As 2012 gives way to a new year, Vox Culture has put its focus on 2013 and begun focusing on the social causes that will be addressed throughout the year. The first trimester will focus on the issue of Immigration.

Addressing the issue of Immigration after closing out 2012’s third trimester with the issue of Refugees is a great leeway, given that both of these issues – while different – have similarities as well. Therefore, as an introduction to our new trimester on Immigration, this blog will seek to address how the issue of Refugees and Immigration are interconnected.

First however, we should distinguish what Immigration is versus what is a Refugee. Immigration is the movement of individuals into a country or region to which they are not originally from, in order to settle there. There are numerous reasons why people immigrate, such as environment, economy, political, family re-unification, poverty, as well as other reasons. Refugees are individuals who are forced to leave their country of origin or habitual residence because they have suffered persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or due to their belonging of a persecuted 'social group'.

The fact that being an immigrant involves, for the most part, voluntary movement while refugees may move involuntarily or be forced to do so, is one of the most important differences that lie between these two terms. However, this difference is still a very thin line where numerous similarities continue to exist as well.

One example that can be provided as to how the line may be blurred between refugees and immigration comes from my personal experience from moving from what was then the former Yugoslavia. Many people coming from areas directly affected by the decade-long breakup, whether they are from Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo, identified themselves as refugees on the basis of persecution due to their religion, ethnicity, political opinion, and more. Many others from these same places, in addition to Slovenia, Macedonia (FYROM), Montenegro, as well as Serbia, left during the same period of war, voluntarily, identifying themselves as immigrants and not refugees. In addition to economic reasons, these individuals voluntarily left for political reasons (or political opinion), as well as to find a new beginning where they would not have to be affected by the then on-going war or possibly face persecution. In brief, this example shows that immigrants and refugees may be faced with the same situation and/or event, and affected by the same issues. The difference between the two groups emerges based on each individual and how they choose to identify themselves based on personal experiences in a situation. In this example, individuals who directly experienced persecution and the experience of war will likely identify themselves as refugees. Those who may not have yet experienced persecution but acknowledged that they lived in a dangerous situation where they could possibly be persecuted down the line may have chosen to leave voluntarily for a safer and better place, and identify themselves as immigrants.

Immigrants and refugees have a good deal in common in other aspects as well, especially when it comes to their overall experience in living in host countries such as the United States. They share multiple experiences such as learning about new cultures and languages. They might also face open discrimination or other forms of hostilities as ethnic minorities, regardless of their immigration status. Other similarities may in some cases pertain to living standards, economic status, and their overall living experience.

While immigrants and refugees might share many personal experiences in common and may be affected by many of the same situations, the greatest difference fundamentally lies at the core. Yes, based on their definitions, similarities can be found between the issue of Refugees and Immigration. However, the greatest and most important difference that distinguishes both these issues is the individuals that make up each of these groups. It is up to them, and ONLY them, to choose how they perceive themselves based off their own experiences… as a refugee or as an immigrant.

Spotlight: Vox Special Events Advisor!

Introducing Renia Butler, Vox Culture's Special Events Advisor! As we seek to continue to provide high quality events for our audience, Renia is amongst our superstars for helping strategize and organize Vox events. Find out soon about the upcoming events at Vox and keep up with all the ways in which you can help design and participate in creating our events via Renia!

I am an events designer/consultant and I love the challenge, the energy, the peace, the hustle, the madness and the camaraderie that come along with the industry. I am a HUGE foodie who enjoys fine wine, comforting food and uncontrollable laughter, you know the kind that makes your eyes water! I joined Vox by accident but quickly found my niche within this team team as a volunteer and have thoroughly enjoyed serving my community and giving back in a positive way.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? It’s a tie between Lemon Custard & Banana Pudding.

Favorite Food? Crab Legs or anything slathered in melted cheese and Jalapenos.

One food you would never eat? Anything “served” at a gas station (Buc-ee’s is not a gas station), specifically hot dogs. It’s just something about them constantly turning on that little rack that grosses me out.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose? My father.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose? Richard Pryor, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Malcolm X, Lauryn Hill and Preston Bailey…can my husband eat with us?? 

November Newsletter: Recap of the "Refugees at Home" Trimester

a. Recap: Common Threads
b. Volunteer Appreciation Bowling Night
c. 12/11 Core Meeting @ 7PM

As Vox brings to a conclusion its "Refugees at Home" Trimester, we take a look back at some of the highlights of the memorable and successful Common Threads series with The Community Cloth!

==

a. RECAP: COMMON THREADS

If you could choose one word to describe the Common Threads series what would it be? Interactive...empowering...meaningful? The truth is no amount of words could truly capture the experience achieved by working together with The Community Cloth throughout the Common Threads series.

During Style Scope, on September 15, Vox had a blast with the refugee artisans on an educational field trip to Francesca’s Collections (6514 Woodway, Houston, TX). Thanks to the boutique’s wonderful staff of D'Naya, Thuy and Tatiana, we were all able to learn together with the refugee artisans about the latest fashion trends and styles. While we all learned a little something about hot colors for the fall like purple and hunter green, beautiful fabrics like crochet and lace, and got some informative tips about jewelry and knit accessories, we also had a blast browsing the store and getting acquainted with the artisan women.

For the Design Workshop on October 20, Vox welcomed the artisan women for an instructional wrap-bracelet workshop, led by Julie Tien. Each attendee at the event purchased a bracelet kit, proceeds of which went towards the sponsorship of an artisan from The Community Cloth. The workshop gave participants a refreshing new view of The Community Cloth’s mission, a new skill set and a brand new wrap bracelet.

The Interwoven Mixer on November 3, was the grand finale event held at 55 Bar & Restaurant in Rice Village. With over 130 people in attendance on a rainy day, the attendees enjoyed delicious food, a"traditional meets modern" fashion show sponsored by Langford Market, and cultural dance performances by the Refugee Community Empowerment Association. Furthermore, the audience had the opportunity to purchase handmade products from the bazaar...great gifts for the holidays! This event highlighted the growth of friendships built throughout the trimester. Through these events, our hope was to create a bridge that allowed both the audience and the artisans to connect and learn from each other. Thank you for your support!

b. VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BOWLING NIGHT

What an amazing trimester! Common Threads was a HUGE success and it couldn't have happened without our amazing, hard-working, compassionate, and dedicated volunteers! In appreciation, Vox went out for a bowling night! A friendly wager was put on the two rounds. Round 1: 25 push-ups. Round 2: 50 sit-ups. Thanks for being great sports, all!

c. 12/11 CORE TEAM MEETING

We are seeking passionate people such as yourselves to spread the word and take part in our next Core Team Meeting at the Vox Culture Warehouse, on Tuesday, 12/11 @ 7:00 PM. A home-cooked 5-star meal by your favorite Vox Team will be served during the meeting!

There has been enormous momentum driving Vox over this past year, and it is all thanks to those of you who have been volunteering and coming out to our Core Meetings to help shape and be the driving force behind Vox’s events. Help shape 2013! This is an amazing time to be a part of Vox, and your input and participation can help make a difference in this city. Be a catalyst to connect our Houston community to social causes in creative ways! Email Viktor.Kopic@voxculture.org for details and to RSVP.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

The Link Between Refugees and Domestic Violence

As September comes to an end, Human Trafficking Awareness Month gives way to a new social awareness issue and a new month. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As Vox Culture continues to progress through its trimester on “Refugees at Home”, we will take a moment to look at how the issue of domestic violence affects refugees.

For the audience to grasp the connections that may exist between domestic violence and refugees, it is important to first note the different types of domestic violence that exist and that Vox Culture seeks to fight.

Domestic violence is the abuse of an individual or group that consists of a physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and/or economic nature. Physical abuse involves contact intended to cause feelings of intimidation, pain, injury, or other physical suffering or bodily harm. Sexual abuse consists of the use of force or threat to obtain participation in unwanted sexual activity. Emotional abuse involves the intentional psychological degradation of an individual to obtain a form of mental control over the individual. Verbal abuse is emotionally abusive behavior involving the use of language. Economic abuse happens when one intimate partner has control over the other partner's access to economic resources.

Refugees can be, and have been, victims of all these various forms of domestic violence. While there are numerous individual reports and stories that can be found through a quick online search, Physical and Sexual abuse have been continuously prevalent amongst refugees, with the victims more often than not being women and children. These two types of abuse, together with Emotional, Verbal and Economic occur in refugee communities largely due to cultural differences. Examples of such vary, from families forcing their children to marry before adolescence due to tribal customs, to women being subjugated to domestic servant roles where they are forced to stay at home and have limited to no personal rights.

In many cultures, domestic violence is not considered a crime, and often refugee victims are unaware that they can report abuse. Even when these victims do report abuse, mainstream domestic violence victim services agencies might find themselves lacking the personnel with the appropriate multicultural skills as well as ill-equipped to deal with issues specific to foreign cultures and different refugee communities.

While many domestic violence services agencies and non-profit organizations have been gradually making progress in seeking to address domestic violence within refugee communities, more has to be done by society to help break the cycle of domestic violence within refugee communities. We must help empower the victims, invest in their talents, and offer them the opportunity to build upon themselves. We must also take the time to learn about the specific refugee communities that reside around us, listen to their stories, and try to understand certain aspects of their culture. By educating ourselves about others we are better equipped to educate these same individuals or groups in return - especially as to why domestic violence IS a crime. If we are to take these or similar actions, we can help give a voice and further empower refugee victims of domestic violence.

To learn more about what other organizations in Texas, such as The Houston Area Women's Center and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA), are doing to combat domestic violence and/or help refugee victims, you can visit their websites by clicking on the following links:

The Houston Area Women's Center

Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA)