| ThurgreedMarshall |
01-17-2006 05:30 PM |
Dream Interpretation
I think you are being ridiculous. I don't know of anyone who thought they were being looked down upon because of The Gates, and I know a lot of working class minorities. Thinking it was a stupid waste of money was not uncommon. But thinking rich white people were being condescending was not a common reaction. Plenty of everyday examples of that.
Quote:
Originally posted by Diane_Keaton
No question the working class may "get it"; it's the arrogant presumption that it will have some great effect on them that bothers me.
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Art does have a great effect on people. The simple fact that so many people who probably haven't been to Central Park in years were moved to come out in the bitter cold to have a look means it had an effect.
And they didn't erect The Gates in the South Bronx. They did it in Central Park in the dead of winter so that truly everyone could experience it if they wanted to. Poor minorities aren't forced to walk through Central Park. If you wanted to see it, you could. If you didn't give a shit, it wasn't going to intrude on your life.
Quote:
Originally posted by Diane_Keaton
Dumbing down a display of orange drapes? Anyway, dumbing something down makes it sound like it's urgent that people "get" the actual "message" of the project which, in my book, makes certain presumptions that are questionable.
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I think you're out there by yourself here. The only thing to "get" here was a reaction. And they did.
Quote:
Originally posted by Diane_Keaton
Nope. The commentary that goes with the art is patronizing and/or the expectations about how the art could or will transform or change things.
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I can see how it might get that way sometimes. But I think you're overstating your case here. Again. Art available to everyone in Central Park. It seems to bother you more than anyone I've come across yet.
Quote:
Originally posted by Diane_Keaton
I would think offense would depend on on who is telling him he needs art in his life, and if the person is telling him what kind of art he needs. And not to be even more of a bitch here, but I think the language we use about art can alienate a working stiff. I say Cristo and in turn, you refer to him as "The Cristo" (you say potato; I say potodo). That alone could turn a working stiff off. I would doubt you are pretentious -- but I know some Manhattanites that are and it comes out in their language.
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I think your own prejudices and tendencies to underestimate "working stiffs" are showing. Jesus.
TM
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