Artsy: Artistic freedom protects high and low art alike; notions of “good taste” and artistic worthiness are the realm of the artist or curator, not the bureaucrat. But at a number of American universities, controversy has been acting as the curator, leading to the degradation of both freedom of speech and students’ ability to interact with challenging artwork.
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This article really added yet another requirement for me to look at as I continue looking at colleges because I believe that it is important to for there to be freedom of expression and speech through art. I was always under the impression that colleges were a place of higher knowledge and learning and that meant it was a place to constructively discuss problems with people who have different points of view and backgrounds than you. I understand that universities have to a certain extent keep up appearances and avoid controversies. However, art is one way to begin conversations and promote social activism if colleges want to censor that then it is their loss. It is unbelievable to me that the artists faced suspension and expulsion for putting up their art. However, I realize that it was naive of me to think that every college is the same and would understand that art that makes some feel uncomfortable and that is the point.
This article is particularly interesting in an age of not just art censorship, but also censorship of speech. Personally, I believe that freedom of art is an essential for a society that hopes to improve and develop new and better ideas. I also think that art is often the best way for those whose voices are never heard to finally make an impact. Art can also often express ideas that cannot be put into words. For these reasons, I do think art must be protected and allowed to be shown. However, the defense of free speech does become a bit more tricky sometimes. For example, should people promoting racist or sexist beliefs be allowed to speak on college campuses? I personally think they shouldn't. This is because college students could easily see them speak and believe what they are saying, and this could be dangerous for the world. But then isn't that not freedom of speech? And then is there anyone who would be censored from the other side of the political spectrum? This topic is a confusing one these days when both political sides have become so worked up in their ideas that any ideas that are not theirs seem evil. However, in the midst of all this, I think we must try to remember that we live in 2018, and some old ideas are simply not allowed anymore, and art must still be free.
It is frightening and outrageous that so many people are so passionately against free speech, art, diversity, and equity. These pieces of art were commenting on the truth of which America was built on: oppression of minorities and marginalized communities. How dare people try and silence their stories? Some people say to always respect one’s personal opinion, and I agree with that to a certain extent. When somebody’s personal/political opinion on a social topic threatens another person’s ability to simply exist, there is a problem. It is terrifying to watch where this country is going, what we are reverting back to, what horrors happen and how they aren't being stopped. It is frustrating these universities ASKED these artists to make these pieces, and the minute they got backlash from the public or somebody in power, they became compliant to privilege and oppression. Instead of silencing artists and especially social justice art, universities should be empowering artists and these important conversations.
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