Bag of Chocolates: Do You See What I See?

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Do You See What I See?

There's a new art installation in the center of our neighborhood. This little park is right in front of the elementary school (there are also two pre-schools and a day care center located in the same complex as the school). My first thought was how cute and colorful it is, and what a big improvement it is over what was there before, a sort of giant egg carton caterpillar type thing. Then I took a closer look. (Click on the photos to see them better)

The two little girls each have book bags. The boy with long hair is talking on a cell phone, no book bag.

The two little black boys are separate from the other kids. Do they have book bags? No, each carries a ball.

And guess who is on top of the world?

Maybe I'm overly sensitive, but this is something kids ages 3 - 11 are going to see every day for 9 years. Something tells me a message is being delivered here.

What do you think? Do you see what I see?

3 comments:

AlisonH said...: I'm horrified. Wow. I mean, the figures individually are charming, but...; Saturday, June 16, 2012
chaya said...: I had the exact same reaction, especially about that blond boy sitting on top of the world. On the bright side I was pleased that they included non-white kids at all given that there aren't very many (if any) in the neighborhood.; Sunday, June 17, 2012
Sandy said...: Love your passion and sensitivity for the biases of the world. That is why it is so important to have diversity in planning meetings. The subliminal messaging is quite clear. Sad..... I'm sure the intentions to liven up the park were well-intentioned.; Thursday, June 21, 2012