Campbell Mattix

This book was interesting for me because I felt a wide range of emotions from frustration to admiration. Having been in both the upper and lower groups that he talks to throughout the book, I had an interesting insight regarding his activism. I liked that Collins addressed most of the emotions that I felt because he knew his audience well. On the other hand, it was difficult reading this book because it obviously came from a very one-sided perspective. But as I read more, I began to appreciate Collins' points. I especially enjoyed reading about the difference between charity and change. In the past, I have had extensive conversations about this topic. Charity is often incorrectly defined, and it seems to be a massive issue socially and politically. Collins explained that "too much of the money that passes through the charitable industrial complex is given to reinforce the elite status and privilege interests of the giver, failing to address fundamental problems" (pg. 10...

As my dad and I cross the same street for the second time, we finally find the place we've been searching for. I see a street with half of the buildings nearly abandoned and rooms lit with modern interiors and bustling bodies.  As fate would have it, the first exhibit that we entered turned out to be the most intense and uncomfortable.  Immediately smelling like weed, I am standing next to my father looking at penises, breasts, drugs, and my beloved Mickey Mouse memorabilia being worn by the most miserable looking characters. Although I felt immensely out of my element- and like I didn't belong whatsoever- I wanted to look at every piece and embrace my reactions. Yes it was awkward looking at these images with my dad, but in an odd way it was comforting to have someone who has seen dozens of art shows in his life to go on this journey with me. Eventually, we stumbled upon the Coagula Curatorial. And once I peeked in, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was gr...