Zine
This mini-zine explores the concept of “relation” and how social categorization shapes human interactions and societal divides. Drawing from research into the formation of “the Other,” the zine examines how these processes reinforce stereotypes, perpetuate systemic inequalities, and hinder accountability. Through metaphorical imagery, contrasting typography, and a symbolic two-color palette, the zine highlights the cyclical nature of ingroup favoritism and outgroup homogenization.
Additionally, the zine explores the media’s role in amplifying these dynamics by perpetuating narratives that shape perceptions of the “in-group” and “out-group.” This influence was depicted through visual metaphors like echo chambers, symbolizing the way media reinforces biased narratives and prevents nuanced understanding. By emphasizing the media’s contribution to these divisions, the zine invites readers to critically evaluate their own perceptions and the broader societal impacts of these categorizations.
Designer's Statement
Human beings are self-relating creatures. Each day, we seek out people like us. The ones who wear the same clothes, read the same books and listen to the same music (a psychologist might note the factors I chose to include/exclude in this description). Our usually subconscious quest in seeking out like-minded individuals helps us find community and gives us a sense of belonging - see Step 3 of Maslows’ hierarchy of needs. Throughout this process we engage in social categorization, a behavior in which we group individuals based on a variety of social factors1. During social categorization, our predictions about the self and others allow us the ability to adapt to our environment1. While this process aids the self in their search for community and belonging, it also reinforces stereotypes and can perpetuate prejudiced beliefs and discriminatory behavior1. Furthermore, when we engage in social categorization, our likelihood to participate in ingroup favoritism and the assumption of outgroup homogeneity increases1.
The constant development and tuning of this internal system means we’ve already assumed where a person goes shopping, what restaurants they like, who they hangout with (if we would hangout with them), their religion (or lack-there-of), their political party, their job, their hobbies, their relationship status, and whether or not we think they’re a “good” person before we’ve even started to say “hello.” The challenge of our society, then, becomes balancing the self-preserving means of this behavior with its negative outcomes.
As I turn to the zine as a means of communicating my views on this topic, I consider how outside influences shape our understanding of social categorization. The media certainly influences how we engage in this process by helping us understand ourselves as part of the in-group and further facilitates our categorization of people not in this group as Other. Soon, the growth of our understanding of the Other allows it to become a one-size-fits all fall guy. Now, any inconvenience, hardship or systemic failure can be blamed on the Other. This works both ways, though, and soon each side of the Other blames the opposite, and no change is enforced because no one needs to take accountability.
My zine will focus on telling the story of how social categorization leads to the development of the Other. Through imagery and typographic elements, I will explain the dangers of social categorization and hold a microscope to how we as individuals directly play into this process that the media perpetuates, allowing neither group to take accountability. Initial thoughts on imagery to represent this idea involve an illustration of an “echo chamber”, a more well-understood/accessible term that will aid in explaining the outcomes of social categorization. The use of two colors (paper and ink) will also be symbolic of the battle between the “in” and “out” groups represented in the story and I can create tension and a fight for emphasis between these colors to further illustrate my proposed story.
THE PROCESS
Sketching
After my I completed my essay based on my research into social categorization and the media, I started out by sketching my initial ideas. I knew I wanted the media to be a throughline through out the zine, so I played on sensationalized media headlines and used comics to poke fun. I also wanted to incorporate a representation of an echo chamber and create an overall sardonic tone.
1st Draft
After my initial rough draft, I had some minor issues with consistency in fonts throughout the piece. Finalizing my zine was all about creating a consistent style throughout the zine. I paired down my font usage and ensured the major fonts were seen in every spread, I also fixed some spacing issues, tightening up my layouts.