Stereotyping

Hey!
Just dropping in for a moment. I am editing some work right now and still trying to overcome the trials and tribulations of the query letter. I'm in the midst of trying to figure out which is the best formula for me to get these things out. Should I finish my story first then devise my query letter or should I make my query letter similar to an outline and send it out first then scribe the story. At this point I'm willing to see how anything works. To me, the latter, seems backward but you never know what may work for you if you don't try it.

Anyway I came across this older piece of mine and I thought this would create conversation for the mind. This piece caused me to see some of my momentary deficiencies and I know everyone else has them too. I consider this one just a little eye opener. Enjoy.
Get back to you soon!
Ahnjel

Stereotyping

Art brings out the strangest of bedfellows. Just go out on a beautiful spring day and visit your city’s major Museum of Art. And watch the movie unfold. Be very mindful as you wander and look into people’s faces and scan their demeanor. First impressions, those first critical visual impressions may lead you astray. This is a hard one to own but we as individuals have pre-conceived notions, consciously or unconsciously, about other people. As much as we say we don’t, deep down the actuality…. It is what it is. If only on a superficial or momentary standpoint.

Why don’t we take a stroll through this museum… Shall we?

You may see one of the guards standing, watching, stoic and distant. Do you dare ask her a question? Maybe? Maybe not. O.K. Yes…. and the answer you receive is short and to the point with no emotion. You walk away saying to yourself, "I won't ask her anything else."

And you move on….

Although you continue to wander and look around the room this same person gravitates to you, slowly and quietly, and begins to reveal herself as a wealth of information about this particular presentation. Even though only on watch, this woman is proud to say she makes it her business to know all the details of any exhibit that she is allowed to oversee. There is such passion as she speaks. A truly wonderful and unexpected treasure.

And you move on....

Now in the same instant you go into the very next room and that guard is asked a simple question about the location of a particular special attraction in the room and you receive a very detached “I don’t know”. This guard is distant and lost in thought. She’s gone away on her own private vacation. She's there just to endure the job.

And you move on....

Next you come across a typical young black island family with two young daughters. But the one child who drew my attention was about the age of eight, give or take a year. All the family members were gazing at a portrait painted by Monet and this father was gently coaxing the child into stillness so that she could visualize the illusion of the bridge just barely coming into view through the fog at dusk. Then this family saunters over to compare the next picture of interest which was a garden scene by Cezanne. And this father went on to explain to his children so gently about the differences in the brushstrokes of each of the great artists. Monet’s portrait was very soft and dreamy whereas Cezanne’s was more individualized and sharp. I am listening to an art history lesson unfold to where a small child could understand. How awesome to witness. It is not often enough that you see young black children exposed to European art and are willing to appreciate it with wonder and joy. Or maybe the offer has been extended and they were shamed into not venturing deeper for fear of being different.

And you move on....

Then there is the young, white punk rock couple. You would assume this because of their manner of dress. The black shirt, black pants, black boots and spiky hair. Complete with silver nose and lip rings. But they are also discussing a style of art called Precisionism in such detail while they are viewing a particular portrait. To me it sounded as if this artistic technique had been studied and practiced. Never would you have assumed that their interest would be so extensive and detailed.

And you move on…..

A harsh personal down fault occurs when you see a group of young black men with their oversized t-shirts, baggy pants and hats on. They are oblivious to the fact that their behavior, somewhat loud and inconsiderate, is not acceptable in this public place. Not belligerent but just a little too rambunctious. Therefore your first impression is that they are probably up to no good. It is such a shame that their first impression leaves you with that type of discomfort. Couldn’t it just be that no one has explained to them that their behavior is not appropriate for this venue?

And you move on....

Then lastly there is John, a student perhaps and his father or teacher asked him this question while viewing modern art. “John, what do you see when you look at this picture?” John says very nonchalantly, “It’s red.” The adult looked at him, rolled his eyes and comments in quiet disgust, “I know its red, John!” The young man looked so interested in what was going on around him. But it was quite evident John was in another space, another place and another time. It was also very apparent John could have cared less. You couldn't help but turn around and laugh to yourself…..

And you move on.

Stereotypes – gives you something to think about doesn’t it?