Landon Johnson

In the current state of our government, country, and world, brainwashing and forceful indoctrination are being used by political leaders to gain whatever power or control they seek. Alienating different minority groups with harmful words and blatant lies to create an enemy is only dividing our nation further and increasing acts of violence and terrorism against those whose views differ. Children and young adolescents are the biggest targets of these false beliefs being spread, and it’s not only coming from those running the country, but inside their homes as well. Imposing pre-existing harmful ideals on those still forming their beliefs is only a recipe for disaster. My research and installation focus on the negative effects of parents and our government pushing false narratives onto children, and how these actions can negatively shape our youth, other generations, and bring harm to the groups that are being targeted. By the end of my exhibition, I aim to spread the word further on how dangerous it can be to indoctrinate young minds with extremist beliefs, hopefully opening the eyes of those who have committed these acts or those who have never had to endure these struggles. Through these designs and installations, individuals who have experienced similar traumas can find a piece of art they can connect with and help express their story. It is crucial now more than ever to see through the falsehoods created by our government and understand their detrimental effects.