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Seeing Colour: a poetry and photography series
Qezz uses poetry and conceptual photography to discuss why it’s not okay to say you ‘don’t see colour’
This poem and photography series, Seeing Colour, comes from a place of anger. My frustration arises from hearing privileged people state they ‘don’t see colour’ – basically, saying they don’t acknowledge my heritage or who I am – even in important societal institutions such as schools and in the workplace. This ‘colourblind’ statement disregards identities, and reinforces oppression of all minorities. In response to this, I have taken a series of photos, and written a poem that reflect people of colour as they should be seen. Real change will happen when individuals can see each others differences and not let it affect opportunities.
Seeing Colour
Acknowledge my presence
Breathe in this essence
Before you become a thieving vulture
Come thank my culture and break this systemic structure
Doors stay closed in the words you propose
Erase this colour-blind narrative you disclose
For all the years of my repose
Grieve not from my shadows but my woes
Here I stand in a room full of dimension
In which I feel your sudden apprehension
Justice isn’t the same as amnesia
Kicking away my heritage as a form of euthanasia
Let’s remind you the Kings & Queens of Africa and Asia
Mirrors and their reflections show your modern age of oppression
No, you will not call me your twin
No, you will not erase my skin
Open your eyes to my colour ‘fore it needs attention
Privilege desperately needs your confrontation
Quotas of colours don’t make us the same
Rough-cut diamonds in the dirt, we will rise again.
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About the author
Qezz Gill
Qezz Gill is a young creative that specialises in photography and filmmaking. Born in Pakistan and raised in Dorset, her experiences as a woman of colour inspire her to create exciting photography based on identity and culture. She spent last year studying filmmaking at MetFilm School at Ealing Studios in London. Currently she is based in Bristol and working as a Trainee Content Creator at Rife. She plans to create content on relevant social issues and hopes to inspire women of colour and young people.
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