Jordan Peele transformed the horror genre with his film Us, specifically with the creation of “The Tethered,” subterranean clones that are forced to mimic the lives of the people who live on the surface like stringless puppets. Whether intentional or not, Peele not only created a unique horror concept but a metaphor that can explain the everyday terrors experienced by many.

Though some may not realize it, the idea of being mentally tethered is not a new notion. Unjust misconceptions and beliefs surrounding matters such as race, gender, and social class have influenced many to fear being their authentic selves, instead creating some Franksteined-version that they present to the world. The jerky, uncoordinated movements of the tethered from the movie are the perfect metaphor for this forced reality. People attempting to push themselves to live in ways they were not meant to and should not have to.

This is where the creative world can assist. Artists have been using written representations for centuries to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, sparking an innovative understanding of life which can lead to faith, discovery, and rebirth, empowering communities and bringing people together through knowledge and understanding.

This creative session is looking for works that explore the regenerative power that creativity can have on people and communities. Participants are asked to submit pieces that demonstrate how creativity can be used to empower people to live freely and support each other. In other words, in what ways has creativity been used to expose toxic, unjust beliefs to help “untether” people from these misconceptions and inspire them to build healthy communities? The chair welcomes poetry, short stories, creative non-fiction, hybrid works, essays, critical analysis, and excerpts of longer pieces.