FMS major, Shaston Caleb Bolden, recently created a substack called Soapbox Media for their FMS 198 course. The project bloomed from Shaston’s desire to delve deeper into course topics, like Blaxploitation in media. Additionally, this site served as a platform for Shaston to explore new areas of study which fall beyond their classes. Using the knowledge they’ve gained from their courses, as well as their own independent research, Shaston wrote a series of articles on a variety of topics, such as the “black media label”, the online efforts of mega churches, and the rise of voyeurism as seen with the popularity of mockumentaries, like Abbot Elementary. Shaston hopes that this blog could serve as a resource to the Film and Media Studies Department, sparking inspirations of scholarship.
What was the inspiration behind your creative project, and how did it evolve during the production process?
Shaston: At first the project started as a way to write a book about my favorite rapper Tyler, The Creator. After some good advice by those more seasoned and wiser than me, I decided to scale back my project and broaden my range of topics I wanted to discuss. Instead of a book, I created a Substack where I write short articles discussing different genres and forms of media. So far, I’ve talked about Blaxploitation films, irreverent comic books, with more outrageous topics to come.
How did your FMS education influence your approach to this project, and which specific courses or skills were most helpful?
S: Throughout my time in the FMS program, I had a cornucopia of knowledge and articles discussing topics from politics to representation, to history, and how these topics intersect with each other. My close reading skills that I sharpened in Professor Daulatzai and Professor Haggin’s classes also helped me connect fiction with reality. The assigned viewings in my classes were the tip of the iceberg as I took that knowledge beyond the classroom and applied it to all the media I consume.
What advice would you give to other FMS students who are considering taking on a similar creative project?
S: Go to office hours. That’s one part of the process before undertaking a creative project. Having a strong relationship with your professor makes it easier to discuss the project and they can help guide you if you’re unsure of where to go. Another piece of advice is to not think your idea is too small for a creative project. I thought it would be ridiculous to suggest that I make a Substack to post articles on, but after just applying and giving it a shot I was blessed with the opportunity to do so. Never think your ideas are too small to become a creative project.