History and Identity

     While reading this section I felt a bit torn between my western upbringing and my belief in equality. Why is it that our western views tend to lean toward "civilized" and "better than" when our supposed religious training teaches us to love one another and to do to one another what we would have done to us? Such conflicted ideas! What is civilized, anyway?I find it very uncivilized to judge another culture as less than. I find it very uncivilized to consider anything or anyone "different" as alien or "primitive". What the heck is that? Maybe I am simple minded but to consider any kind of equal exchange as a challenge to relationships is absurd. Now, art, on the other hand, should be a universal exchange of history in my opinion. Why should one source of art be better than another? Again, I am pretty basic in my thinking but if we are ever to appreciate our differences and celebrate our variety of cultures, we need to put all art on the same level.
     I would love to see the Latin American artists given the same opportunities as the western or European artists. Unfortunately, their economic situation and leadership is wanting in that department. I feel they are being held down by their leaders' obsession with power, filling their own bank accounts and taking advantage of their own people.
     There is always hope that people will maintain their culture while mixing with the new. There are many gifts the Latin Americans (and others) offer the world with their art and other talents. I also hope that the west will always hunger for the authentic rather than marginalizing other cultures which squashes artists further. I believe we are all one and by producing art, that reflects our humanity.

Blog #3

I have been watching, listening and reading about the situation in Egypt this past 2 weeks and have mixed feelings and ideas about what has transpired.  Yes, freedom is the best choice but who or what is going to fill the void since Mubarak is gone? There is no simple answer to this.....Very unsettlling to me.Too many power hungry factions and people,  I hope the end result is in the best interest of the people there, as well as the region.  I am looking forward to the lecture next Tuesday night.

Art 12B

I have been viewing the Ancient Voices Videos and enjoyed them tremendously. Also, reading about the 1st Impressions of the Mexica and the Art posted there. It brings me back to the part of myself that is facinated by humanity and the curiosity that comes with that.

Art History 12B

I am thoroughly enjoying this class! I look forward to sitting down to my computer and I become so engrossed in the material that the time has flown by!