James Schaap
+1 (240) 642-8426 / schaap9495@gmail.com
Why is DC Not a State?
Why Are Greeks Not "Greek"?
As Washington D.C. continues to grapple with its local identity amid recent federal interventions, its residents persist in asking a longstanding question: Why is D.C. still not a state? Despite having a larger population than Wyoming or Vermont, D.C. residents lack voting representation in Congress. In this short video, I set out to answer that question by providing accurate context in a format that is both concise and engaging.
This is the first in a series of videos I’ve created exploring what countries call themselves in their native languages, and why those names often differ in other languages. In this video, which has garnered over 500,000 views on TikTok and won First Place for Vertical Social Video at the 2024 White House News Photographers Association Awards, I set out to discover why English speakers refer to the nation as “Greece,” while Greeks themselves call their country “Hellas.”
Be A Man
"Be A Man" explores the online radicalisation of young American men, fuelled by social isolation, sexual frustration, and changing gender norms. Many seek purpose in digital spaces known as the manosphere, where feminism is often blamed for modern male struggles. Through my own research, original narration, and more than a little motion graphics magic, this 5:30-minute video breaks down a complex issue in an engaging and accessible way—earning praise from several industry professionals for making a highly nuanced socio-cultural topic both entertaining and easy to grasp.
The Secret of Theodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington, D.C. harbors a colorful secret, concealed amidst its scenic beauty. Unbeknownst to many, this island served as the site of Camp Greene during the Civil War, one of the earliest training camps for Black soldiers in the United States. Largely made up of former slaves, the regiment that trained here played a crucial role in the nation's history — fighting in both Northern Virginia and William T. Sherman's infamous Campaign of the Carolinas. Despite this historical significance, the island lacks any acknowledgment of its past role as a training ground for these Black troops.
Foggy Bottom, What Is It?
If you travel west of the White House in Washington D.C., you will find yourself in the neighborhood of Foggy Bottom—named for the dense morning fog that sometimes blankets its morning air. Despite holding a significant history and playing a substantial part in the history of the U.S. Capital, people rarely think of it as a prime destination for tourists. What many might overlook in this neighborhood, which is home to the infamous Watergate Hotel, is that it is steeped in history and has undergone a complete transformation in terms of its residents and the companies that now call it home. It is truly a hidden gem.