Otherness is the state of being different from the members of a group. Whether we are talking about us mammals, us Oregonians, or us bird-watchers, anyone who is not part of us is part of the other. How does otherness shape our sense of identity and our perception of others? In this conversation, we will reflect on our personal experiences of belonging to uncover the universality of otherness and examine how we can use empathy to bridge the divides in isolated communities and foster the acceptance of diverse voices. This exploration of otherness aims to cultivate empathy for both ourselves and others, leading to a more inclusive understanding of our identities and those around us as well as exploring otherness as a form of strength and our own uniqueness.

Facilitator Michelle Fujii is an artist activator, community facilitator, taiko artist, and codirector of Unit Souzou, whose work intersects social justice with creative conversations and artistic expression. Michelle’s work navigates the multifaceted complexity of identity in our communities, continuously excavating her own identity story as a fourth-generation Japanese American. As a taiko artist, she creates contemporary pieces through the art forms of taiko and Japanese folk dance, reimagining new traditions for evolving communities. Michelle has been awarded individual artist fellowships from the Lilla Jewel Award for women and marginalized genders, Oregon Arts Commission’s Joan Shipley Award, and the Jubilation Foundation teaching artist fellowship. Her most recent work, Constant State of Otherness, centers on the historical and divisive ways that othering has pervasively affected our communities.