Sonic autoethnography as counternarrative: Resisting the white male gaze in addiction narratives through "Sobriety"

WARNING: Sensitive topics

In my research, I treat personal stories as important data. I believe art is a valid way to produce knowledge. My new song, "Sobriety," is a clear example of this method. It comes from my autobiographical poem, "Oh, and One Sugar Please" (written in February 2024). This project uses personal storytelling through sound to challenge common ideas about addiction.

The Main Idea: Changing the System from Within
The writer Audre Lorde was critical of using the "master's tools" to change a broken system. My work tries to do this carefully.

The System ("The Master's House"): The usual story about addiction. It is often told by white men or doctors. This story usually misses the deeper understanding of trauma, shame, and survival that many women, especially Black women, experience.

My Methods ("The Master's Tools") is using modern platforms and technology. Such as Suno AI to help create the music. I used the Floetry style (poetry with music). But I kept full control. I was the writer, poet, singer, and director. This is my ADN™ method in action. It means I use my life experience to guide the AI and create something true to myself and other Black British women.

My Song as Data and a Tool for Change
"Sobriety" is more than a song. It is a collection of data from my life. It works through my "4 R's" framework:

Resisting

Fighting the shame and silence around Black women and alcohol use.

Rejecting cold, clinical language about addiction. I use raw, emotional words instead.

Reclaiming

Taking back the story of addiction from a patriarchal system.

Taking back my story, my voice, and my body as the expert on my own life.

Reframing

Changing the story from one of shame to one of strength.

The last line, "TEA PLEASE, I AM IN SOBRIETY," shows recovery as a positive, powerful choice.

Retaining

This song is a modern archive.

It keeps a story that is often erased. It makes sure a Black woman's journey through trauma and sobriety is recorded and can be found by others.

Conclusion: Putting the Black Woman's Voice First
By placing my own voice and story at the centre of this work, I challenge the unfairness in addiction research. "Sobriety" makes the Black woman the main authority on her own life. This sonic self-story makes the invisible visible. It is a call for better, more diverse support. It shows that we are the archive, we are the data, and we are thedesigners of

References:

Lorde, A. (1984). Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches.

Ellis, C., Adams, T.E., & Bochner, A.P. (2011). Autoethnography.

hooks, b. (1989). Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black.

Masumi, M. ADN™ (Anthro-Digital Narratives) © 2024.

One of 6 Poem Songs on my PhD Poetic Sonic Album.

WARNING:Sensitive Topics