AIO Is this a deal breaker?
Background: Recently I’ve been trying to design the empty space above my couch because it’s just a blank wall so I decided to go with a gallery wall. For my large center piece I chose a picture of Elizabeth Eckford during the Arkansas desegregation of Central High. I was otp with my friend showing her what I planned to do. She said it was a nice photo but that she wouldn’t hang it up because it bore no significance to her (understandable). I then told her that at the bottom of the photo I was going to put “Breaking News : Black Woman Minding Her Business ; White Folks Mad.” And the friend said that was racist. I asked how and she said if the races were flipped then it would be a problem. I was honestly taken aback and slightly offended because this was a real event in history and the title I put is what actually is going on. She said it would be fine if I stated what was going (First Woman to desegregate Central High) but that me putting a “sassy” title was racist. I just want to know what you guys think. Is this racist? Was my friend’s comment inappropriate? She is of Hispanic descent btw.
UPDATE: I want to preface this by saying I had no intention of responding to any comments, I genuinely just wanted to see others opinion on this “debate”. I honestly was not expecting this to blow up like this but since it has I thought to respond to a trend I noticed in the comments
Firstly, I am black. I don’t know why some thought I was white? I guess I should have clarified.
I see one of the many major points you guys are making is why put something this emotionally provoking in my living room. And the answer is just that. Because it is emotionally provoking. Art is subjective but not history. I ask you what does this piece represent to you when you see it? Whether you are white or black ask yourself this. If it represents something negative to you then I am sorry you feel that way but that is the opposite for me. THIS WOMAN IS STILL ALIVE TODAY. As of this post she is 84 years old. I still have living relatives that are close to that age myself. What she had the power to do at such a young age and fragile mind impacted SO many black and brown people across America in a positive way. It is because of her and people like her that I am able to participate in the American Institution at its fullest today. THAT is why I am hanging this up. Because it represents the ability to overcome, bravery, walking in AND through the face of hatred, and mental fortitude all at such a young age. I am going to school for Engineering this August and I know the workload will be tough but when I walk through the door and I see Mrs.Eckford walking to school so I MYSELF can do the same, that will give me strength to keep going and to keep pushing because if she could do that as a teenager then I can and should continue my education to honor what people before me have done so I can be where I am today.
Lastly, to the white people. I get some of you might be offended by this or you may feel that I am personally attacking you by admonishing this headline (most of you weren’t and I appreciate that) but this is in no way meant to be an anti white statement. I acknowledge as a black person that many white Americans marched with us in the streets and put themselves in the line of fire to be labeled as outcast for simply speaking up in aid of black rights. Knowing that their neighbor, manager, co-workers, friends or family would attack them with words and/or actions. However if this offended you as a white person…really?
This is not meant to divide but acknowledge a piece of history and I chose to put it up because it INSPIRES me. Black people continue to mind their business today and still get killed if it weren’t for simply just being black. Let’s not forget that Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Aubrey were not that long ago. This still happens today. Maybe not on as large a scale like the past but there are still trickle down effects.
I appreciate everyone’s insight on this. Please this was not meant to pit white vs black AGAIN. That was the past, this is the present. We all have reached a point where we can co-habitat and live peacefully TOGETHER through efforts on both sides.
Again, I appreciate EVERYONE’S insight
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana