While conceptualizing this video, I was inspired by the overwhelming chaos of the media and news we consume. The sheer volume of information thrown at society is often difficult to sift through, making it nearly impossible to maintain a clear understanding of what is happening in the world around us. Man of the House reflects a particular mindset that I believe emerges from this convoluted media environment: a subset of Americans who consume the news and feel that their way of life is constantly under threat. They cling tightly to an ideological vision of America while becoming blind to history as well as the institutions that benefit from sustaining this illusion.

The “man of the house” believes he is living a stable and traditional life. In his mind, he maintains order: he mows the lawn, cares for his child, dog, and loving wife. Yet what we see on screen tells a different story. As he becomes increasingly consumed with watching his house burn down on television, panic sets in. His worldview begins to crumble, and he enters a state where he can no longer separate reality from the version of the world he has constructed in his mind.

This video is not meant to push a singular narrative or persuade viewers to reconsider their political beliefs. Instead, it uses satire and exaggeration to open a conversation about the relationship between media, perception, and reality. By presenting these heavy questions through a colorful and stylized lens, the goal is not to simplify the issue, but to create space for discussion.

We were able to make this video possible through organizing many fundraisers that consisted of campaigns, DJ shows and farmer’s market pitches. The set, including the walls and furniture were handcrafted by an incredible team of students and designed by Vaishnavi Thankham and myself.