Isabel Espinoza
Tactic- Chalking
On the day when we were told we could go chalking I was a bit nervous and was not sure how the public would react when watching me chalk on campus. As I was walking I felt anxious and worried if I would get in trouble, even though I was given permission I still felt like I was doing something wrong. I felt there might be judgement from some passersby because chalking is not a norm. I know many have mixed feelings regarding immigration and was not sure what response I would get if caught chalking. I was not sure if someone would get offended and say something derogatory or other. As I got closer I paused and looked around, to see if anyone was looking, I noticed no one was. I pulled my phone out to use a replica of a black, white and red sign I seen on the internet to guide my design, I took the chalk out and proceeded to draw with confidence. I had a few students walk by and be curious, they stopped and looked. I let them know they were more than welcomed to ask questions, they asked if I was a DACA student? I let them know I was first generation Mexican American and remember my father's risky attempts to come to the United States. After the small talk I continued to finish my chalking, I took a picture of it and uploaded it to you. I went home that night and let my family know I chalked and showed them a picture of it. The same question kept coming up, "did you get in trouble", this question is a reminder of how we are not in touch with our freedom of speech. We have gotten comfortable in being quiet and following the norms because of the fear tactic of getting in trouble. Over all the experience for me was liberating and affirmed my freedom of speech.
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