Radio Chthulucene 87.9 FM

One of the reasons why I really wanted to go to UCSD is because of how massive the campus is. I thought attending this school would make me feel like I was in a mini city and not feel claustrophobic. But as I try to find a location to implement my project (and tend to my aching feet!) this massive campus may be my downfall.

A topic I’ve been wanting to write about is “texturism” or discrimination to Black, kinky hair. I’ve been really interested in talking about Black hair for sometime as I’ve gone through my natural hair journey for some time now. I think this is a topic that is especially important to Black UCSD students, a very small percentage on campus…

What I think is also important to consider when it comes to the topic of “texturism” is potentially incorporating the socio-historical implications of what makes “good hair” and what makes “bad hair.” Although natural hair is something that’s become more and more accepted, it wasn’t until 2019 that the CROWN Act was finally passed. On top of that, hair products for kinkier textures are often more overpriced than those that cater to non-kinky hair.

With a topic that carries a lot of depth, I believe this could potentially be a small inspiration for black UCSD students. But yet I am still left with the question…

Where?

Potentially, there is the Black Resource Center (BRC). This would make sense as the BRC serves as a safe space for Black people who may have experience with texturism. However, as to where the radio could be placed is what perplexes me. How could I make the radio visible and also make people interested in listening? I’ve also thought of placing my project in M.O.M. cafe where they feature a shelf for black hair products (a shelf implemented by a Black UCSD student). I felt like placing the radio near the shelf would be more on the nose of what my project is even about. However, again, how could I make it visible to get people interested in listening to my project?

I’ve noticed as I write this that these logistics is something to bring up with the Visual Art 147A student I’ll work along with. I am not someone who is artistically-inclined (which is why I stick with writing) so getting a VIS 147A student to help with making the radio itself visible would be helpful in choosing where to place my project.

In conclusion, my ideas of where to implement my project are kind of scattered. Maybe as I start writing my story about texturism and hair care for kinky hair, I’ll get closer to an ideal location. It may also be helpful to talk to VIS 147A student to get a better picture for my project. I am excited going about this project. I hope for it be a piece of art that can at least inspire one person. There’s already not a lot of support for the arts at UCSD, let alone art that focuses primarily Black people. Let’s see how everything goes. Perhaps, next time I write in this journal, I’ll have more ideas for my project.