Spring Break
The Daily OrangeArt exhibit deserves praise, not criticism
By Tahira Lindsay
Posted: 3/4/08, 3:59 AM EST Section: Opinion
Sheikh explains, though, that his context is intended to "show how some women are the victims of religious and cultural codes that reduce many of them to little more than child- like servants" in Vrindavan, one of India's most holiest cities, according to fazelsheikh.org. The key phrase here is "some women," but many seem to have missed that.
"You have to take it into context," said sophomore art history major Ali Falotico. "The exhibit is a slice of Indian life, not a representation of a total culture. It's narrow-minded for people to think that students can't distinguish that."
Senior biology major Courtneye Mills asked, "Why would you want to censor something that's shedding light on such a grave injustice?"
The "Beloved Daughters" exhibit shows a portion, albeit large or small, of the issues facing Indian society. The images shown were chosen by Sheikh to express his views, and assuredly the views of others, of the hidden and horrid realities facing parts of India today. As a campus community that undoubtedly has the responsibility to become aware of various global issues, it seems only right to welcome this exhibit as an interactive tool to incite international responsibility and justice to this campus.
By attempting to censor an exhibit, one inhibits students' ability to visualize global issues and spark conversation with peers and fellow community members. Sheikh's exhibit achieved such goals, and his work not only sparked dialogue, but quite possibly change.
Tahira Lindsay is a senior communications and rhetorical studies and Spanish language major. Her columns appear every other Tuesday. She can be reached at talindsa@syr.edu.
"You have to take it into context," said sophomore art history major Ali Falotico. "The exhibit is a slice of Indian life, not a representation of a total culture. It's narrow-minded for people to think that students can't distinguish that."
Senior biology major Courtneye Mills asked, "Why would you want to censor something that's shedding light on such a grave injustice?"
The "Beloved Daughters" exhibit shows a portion, albeit large or small, of the issues facing Indian society. The images shown were chosen by Sheikh to express his views, and assuredly the views of others, of the hidden and horrid realities facing parts of India today. As a campus community that undoubtedly has the responsibility to become aware of various global issues, it seems only right to welcome this exhibit as an interactive tool to incite international responsibility and justice to this campus.
By attempting to censor an exhibit, one inhibits students' ability to visualize global issues and spark conversation with peers and fellow community members. Sheikh's exhibit achieved such goals, and his work not only sparked dialogue, but quite possibly change.
Tahira Lindsay is a senior communications and rhetorical studies and Spanish language major. Her columns appear every other Tuesday. She can be reached at talindsa@syr.edu.
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