By the same token, I must make every effort to combat the mistaken notions of colonialism and American exceptionalism. I should likewise avoid using the term ‘postcolonial’ which ignores the ways in which, politically, we are still living within colonial structures. Even the accidental use of the word ‘history’ instead of ‘histories’ supports the assumption being that the singular ‘history’ is always from the Western perspective. My work, both the US and elsewhere, must be infused with grace and humility, even as we creatively explore what is “good art” as well as examining our colonialist comfort of Aristotelian narratives.

It is my aim to repair artistic inequities between the Global North and the Global South, or what I and others prefer to call the Two-Thirds World. The Two-Thirds World (a term that stands on its own merit and not in subjugation or in relation to the Global North) is not a hemispheric, geographical term, but is a broad term referencing those countries and regions that do not enjoy global influence in terms of political, economic, military and cultural power. The Two-Thirds World includes:

• all the countries of Africa

• all Asian countries other than Japan

• all countries in Latin America and Central America, as well as Mexico

• all countries in the Pacific Islands Region

• all countries in the Caribbean Region

• all countries in the Arab Region

• all indigenous communities in the Global North (e.g. first people nations in Canada, USA, Australia & New Zealand)

• individuals from the above regions now living in the Global North, but who still identify with/are connected to their country of origin (including migrants and refugees)

To put it plainly, I do this work because, as an American, I have a responsibility to. With the privilege that I was born into, I am compelled to show up differently than my government, our military and our multi-national corporations.

And, it’s damn fun.