The song invites the listener to consider self-reflection and fluidity as part of discovering one’s identity without any boundaries or fear. The message of unconditional love, devoid of pre-set expectations, gives way to opening our hearts and minds to the change one goes through when unearthing who they are. By normalizing the transformation and the unconditional love that goes along with it, we can feel safe and seen. The song is a conversation between two people. One is asserting their identity and taking control of how they are perceived while asking the other to be open-minded and listen.

I'll Tell You Who I Am

The song promotes the message of assertiveness and consent. Body autonomy and boundaries are very important themes to share with young children. A sole focus on consent isn’t enough. Children must know that they are able to speak up and assert themselves regarding any situation that involves their space and well being. They must be able to expect respect when encountering situations that require their choice when their voice isn’t being heard.

Ask Me First

The song addresses the solidarity that is found in community. In these works, community is filled with diverse narratives and people coming together and finding common ground. This connection comes from a place of humanity, respect, abundance, resilience, support and the right to be. We can lift each other up and strengthen our voices together.

Together

The song celebrates all Earth has to offer and also looks to its health and the very negative consequences of climate change. Through discovery and learning, we can extend our empathy and compassion to the natural world. In opening ourselves up to Indigenous ways of knowing, environmental justice movements can grow with solidarity and community support. We can begin to respect and value all living beings and their ecosystems once we understand our place in nature. No being has dominion over nature without consequence. We are here and we need to make the best of it.

We Are Here

The song explores the different ways not having words available can be alienating and debilitating. There is an emotional and spiritual rebuilding individuals must undertake in response to trauma through storytelling, imagination and sharing. Being able to find the words to tell difficult stories is so very important for growth and for collective healing. The loss of our words can be described as a silencing or as an inability to explain difficult lived experiences.

Words

We recognize colour right away and celebrate it. As colour hits our senses the desire to look deeper within is encouraged. Skin colour comes with the social constructs surrounding race from a variety of perspectives. If we choose to ignore the conversation of race, we are letting narratives that negatively affect racialized communities dominate. The conversation surrounding melanin is a great example of what one can discuss to explain why we are different but all come from the same spectrum of skin tones.

Shades of Us

The song depicts a boundless kindness that is extended to everyone regardless of age, religion, race, gender, class and ability. They address the opportunity to learn from one’s mistakes and forgive those willing to change their unkind ways. The acts conveyed in the song focus on the nuance found in kindness. Standing up not only to individuals but to ideas that negatively affect people in our society is part of the act of being kind and thoughtful. This builds a foundational layer of empathy and respect for everyone regardless of our differences enabling us to heal and grow collectively.

Let Kindness Guide You

The song is meant to uplifting for people who are in need of help but are at times too proud to accept. In short, it’s  about discovering your humanity in a world that right now is lacking just that.

Pride Before the Fall

Pride Before the Fall featuring Louwop

The song and the books address visibility and the positive impact it has on individuals who recognize themselves in society or in those who are considered culturally influential. Seeing oneself as visible, significant, respected and acknowledged is a very important topic to address when speaking of representation. Different imagery, narratives and perspectives are important to share and learn from. It can open the world up and debunk the default ideal we so often get exposed to.

I'll Tell You Who I Am

nadiabashalani

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