Dear America . . .
What does the title of the Tang Museum exhibition A More Perfect Union evoke for you, especially in this contentious political season? Misery? Laughter? Hope?
If you ask American voters, as Rasmussen Reports recently did, just 31% think the country is headed in the right direction. Meanwhile, a poll conducted by the nonpartisan PRRI found that 51% think the 1950s were better than today. That’s hardly a rallying cry for a "perfect," never mind a "more perfect" union.
But conceptual artist and social interventionist Mel Ziegler's interactive exhibit isn't designed to tell people what to think. It's designed to ask them what they think—after reflection—about the state of the US. That’s why it features an open stage with live microphone and some red, white, and blue picnic tables that beg people to write their thoughts in silver marker with the prompt "Dear America . . . "
Here's a sampling of Tang visitors' responses:
• Give the next generation the tools to sort facts from lies. Support thenewsliteracyproject.org.
• Please honor and respect your citizens of all races, shades, genders, and religious beliefs! Our diversity = our character & our beauty!
• Dear America. Best place on earth. I can think of no better place. Let's be proud.
• This election is a disgrace to our history.
• People. Stop complaining about our country and do something to make it better!
When the show opened in July, there were three picnic tables, but more had to be added. They're a continuation of Dear America, a project dreamed up by students in Ziegler's "Installation/Social Intervention" course at Vanderbilt University.
Ziegler was right when he thought they might make a good addition to his show, and if you haven't yet seen A More Perfect Union—already at least seven Skidmore classes have—you really should.
Says professor David Howson, "For my arts administration students, it was a great example of the national trend in museums to provide exhibitions that engage communities in meaningful dialogue around relevant issues."
Business professor David Cohen adds, "I'm teaching a first-year Scribner Seminar on the lasting effects of slavery on American government and culture, and this exhibit is a great portal to conversations about both."
To whet your appetite for your visit—the exhibit runs until January 1—here are more table scrawlings:
• Let the idea of change motivate us to act, not the fear that we can't do it. Let's stand together and change the world. Millennials, it's in our hands.
• Black lives matter!
• My home, sweet home.
• I'm really sorry that Americans have such poor candidates for this election! Who can you trust? Lying, cheating, and no real solid truths or dreams. So sad for your country.
• Bernie, come back.
• I do not understand all the killing. If people were busy creating their own lives and respecting others' rights to do so, we would not be at this place—overseas and at home. Honor the breath—everyone's!
• Why is no one raising the issue of domestic violence?
• Freddie Gray, Walter Scott, Eric Harris, Rumain Brisbon, Tamir Rice, Darrien Hunt, Ezell Ford, Michael brown, Eric Garner, Dontre Hamilton, Trayvon Martin, Alton Sterling, Philnado Castile, Karryn Gaines. Rest in peace.
• Honor our troops for it is they who protect our freedom.
• Support public education, the foundation of our democracy.
• All lives matter!
• Focus on our planet.
Now it's your turn: Dear America . . .
