A History of the T-Shirt in Protest, Politics and Activism Grade 12 Life Orientation Alternative Task

T-shirts have long been a symbol of fashion and a means to express one’s political, social or activism views. With this in mind, the Grade 12s were tasked with tackling and unpacking a social justice issue racial discrimination, religious freedom, gender discrimination, inequality, environmental issues or gender-based violence. They had to give a holistic overview of the problem and briefly give an account of their own exposure to the issue.  Then they had to explain why they believe that this issue is a problem and which factors perpetuate the issue. As we are solution-focused at SPC, the next step was to give an account of an existing and highly successful program being implemented in any community to target the effects or causes of the issue. They were then asked how can this programme could be successfully integrated into St Peter’s College to help raise awareness of the needs of those involved. Once this research and write up had been done they had to present the issue on a T-shirt, that was pegged up on the Flats, to appeal to the staff and students to raise awareness of the issue and to motivate them to act in becoming part of the solution. 

The Grade 12s did some absolutely amazing work. It is heartwarming to read their write-ups and feel the passion they put into researching and expressing their desire’s for change in our community, our country and in our world. Its not often I feel optimistic but when I realise that if our students put even an ounce of their research and passion into the solutions they proposed, we are in good hands. We are told to prepare our students for a world that has been messed up and I am enthusiastic that if we let them, they will change things for all people and for our planet.

 

Well done Grade 12s – you make me excited about the possibilities you can achieve.

Mrs Ryder-Nimb – HOD Life Orientation