"'Walking Wall' provokes talk about Delmar divide"
St. Louis Post Dispatch
Community section of the
Sunday, 9/7/14
This article discusses
how a local artist, Damon Davis, has built a “wall” to begin having discussions
about the Delmar divide. I found
this interesting because I had watched a video in my Cultural Diversity class
regarding this issue. The video
was dated but this obviously continues to an issue in our current time. There was an obvious divide in the
video between blacks and whites and of socioeconomic status along Delmar. I was not really aware of this until I
saw the video but it was very eye opening.
Mr. Davis received
donations from several organizations to create this work of art and social
experiment. He calls it the
“Wailing Wall” and built it in March.
The wall is 8' by 4' and there are slots at different heights on both
sides of the wall. Mr. Davis has
asked that residents of St. Louis provide insight as to what they see as the
issues regarding racism and discrimination in St. Louis. The goal is to get people talking about
these issues and offer solutions to the ongoing problem that has plagued St.
Louis for generations. He has then
posted the letters to a website for everyone to view with the hope that this
will spark constructive and positive discussion about the racism and division
within St. Louis.
I found this very
inspiring and think it is a great idea.
People often are fearful or embarrassed which prevents them from
speaking out about these delicate issues.
However, this experiment gives people an opportunity to truthfully
express their thoughts and feelings anonymously. If the discussion does not happen then change will not
either so any small step towards this is beneficial to our whole
community.
The “Wailing Wall” is
located at 4709 Delmar Blvd and more information as well as the letters that
have been placed in the slots can be found at wailingwallstl.tumblr.com.
Lori I loved this article. What a unique idea! I believe that artwork is a great tool for change and Mr. Davis did a great job. I read this post before I went to the tumblr section so it was interesting that what I had in my mind was a lot different than what the actual wall looked like. It's important for people to feel like they have a voice and sometimes it's easier to do this when it is anonymous.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great article! This is definitely a way to get people to share their honest feelings without judgment. It really is allowing the people of the community to share their voice. In chapter 4 in the book, it says how the inclusion of the community enables them to become empowered. I feel as if by building this wall it is helping the community become empowered by sharing their voice and being heard.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great read. I loved how the artwork will allow people to be more open. Ali I agree with you about not feeling judgments because it is involving something's that everyone loves artwork. Maybe moving forward we should included things that everyone loves especially in the Ferguson community to help people be more at ease about the topics at hand. It may raise tensions.
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