Pick a news article or feature about Detroit that strikes you. What is the article or story saying? Do you agree with it or not? What about this particular piece of writing struck an interest with you? What is your opinion?
An article that caught my attention is titled, “Detroit Institute of Arts Faces Backlash Over Newly Unveiled Police Mural.” The article discusses a mural revealed by the DIA depicting police officers holding hands against a backdrop of the American flag. This painting generated a lot of controversy, as some appreciated its message while others found it ‘out of touch'. While the artwork was intended to honor the service of policemen in the neighboring suburb of Sterling Heights, many believed that it glossed over police’s abuse of power and brutal exertions of force and violence over black bodies. The article further mentions criticism of the DIA in silencing black voices, offending its community, and being a toxic workplace.
I empathize and side with the criticism of this mural. While I understand the attempt to use positive displays to bring about peace and unity, it comes off as tone deaf to paint the police in such a light when they have brought about a lot of pain to the African-American community, both nationally and specifically within the city of Detroit. This article was of interest to me because many of the conversations that my project is having this summer are centered on how an organization can improve their cultural competency. It is clearly imperative to understand the sentiments, needs and background of a community in order to avoid offending it and to represent it properly. The DIA failed to consider how this painting would affect the BIPOC community. This article has shedded light on the importance of understanding the context of the community you are interacting with and serving, and I look forward to encouraging such cultural sensitivity and awareness within TechTown.
I empathize and side with the criticism of this mural. While I understand the attempt to use positive displays to bring about peace and unity, it comes off as tone deaf to paint the police in such a light when they have brought about a lot of pain to the African-American community, both nationally and specifically within the city of Detroit. This article was of interest to me because many of the conversations that my project is having this summer are centered on how an organization can improve their cultural competency. It is clearly imperative to understand the sentiments, needs and background of a community in order to avoid offending it and to represent it properly. The DIA failed to consider how this painting would affect the BIPOC community. This article has shedded light on the importance of understanding the context of the community you are interacting with and serving, and I look forward to encouraging such cultural sensitivity and awareness within TechTown.
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