After the Surfing Madonna saga is all over except for the decision on the final location, suddenly the North County Times is very intent on stirring up racial controversy. Today's Jim Trageser column:
Brown power was nowhere to be found in North County during two of the bigger stories of the last month.
In Encinitas, the art snobs were tripping over themselves to embrace the so-called "Surfing Madonna."
Completely absent from the entire conversation about the illegally placed mosaic was the viewpoint of Mexican-American Catholics.
The Virgin of Guadalupe, on which the "Surfing Madonna" was based, is perhaps the most prevalent symbol of Latin American Catholicism and Mexican national identity. Since we had a white artist using a Latino icon to make a political statement on the U.S. side of the border, questions of artistic legitimacy and cultural appropriation should have been part of any discussion over the "Surfing Madonna."
That they were not is a mark of how little weight the Latino point of view receives, even in supposedly "progressive" circles, like Encinitas art galleries.
Nevermind that Latinos were well-represented among the thousands of people coming to admire the Madonna, or that no Latino groups have protested against the Madonna, or that the Catholic church in Encinitas, which presumably counts a large number of Latinos in its membership, issued a statement of support for the mosaic.
But it's not just today's column. June 17th had another hit piece that went out of its way to find Latinos who didn't like the Madonna:
An informal survey of local Catholics and Latinos found varying opinions on the nationally talked-about mural that appeared mysteriously on a railroad bridge support along Encinitas Boulevard in late April. And if not all Catholics and/or Latinos interviewed were offended by the depiction of an icon they see as a representation of their faith and Mexican heritage on a piece of political art (the mural contains the phrase "Save the Ocean"), the opinions offered were a far cry from the near-universal acclaim that has greeted the mural in artistic circles.
The reporter finds an Escondido priest who gives a lukewarm statement against using a religious image for an environmental message, and an employee at El Callejon who agreed with removing the mosaic. I can only imagine the leading questions he used. Why not interview some of the Latino Catholics who regularly stopped by the Surfing Madonna?
The content of the NC Times' articles is odd enough. But why now? If there were a legitimate issue over Latino Catholics being offended, shouldn't this have been news in April and May as the Madonna was in the local and national news almost daily?
Qui bene? The two politicians with egg on their faces over the Madonna are Jerome Stocks and Jim Bond, who have a vivid imagination when coming up with reasons the mosaic must be removed. They claimed everything from structural damage to the bridge, to a wave of copycat public artists, and, yes, that Catholics might be offended. The North County Times editorial board is known to be sympathetic to Stocks and the council majority. How better to help him clean up his PR mess than legitimize his ridiculous position with a few made-up articles?
Jerome Stocks has the publisher of the NC Times in his back pocket.
ReplyDeleteThe Latino population is used as a political tool by this entire group of developer-backed council members.
ReplyDeletePart of the reason that the "low income housing" statutes ever got passed in the first place was by presenting it to migrant workers and other poor Latinos as a recognition of their very real need for appropriate housing.
They were used by developers for political support and then cast away to go mow the lawn and take care of the babies! I think that many Latinos are so tired of being used over and over again for the political benefit of others, that a lot of them don't want to participate or say anything for fear of making things even worse.
We used to have a much bigger Hispanic population in Encinitas, and I noticed on the 2010 Census that our Latino population has dropped by 4% in the past 10 years. Now that the Eckes don't need them to take care of their greenhouses, I guess that they can just move to San Marcos or Oceanside and let $80,000 wage earning "low income residents" live in the McMansions or other "affordable housing" options.
One example is a horse property which is in consideration for development in Olivenhain. There is a wonderful family who has lived in the groom's quarters for over 20 years. They have several fine children who have grown up there. Will they get a home when the developers get allowances for "low income?" Hell no!
I had actually seen quite a number of Mexicans visiting the Madonna before it was taken down. I noticed it especially around Easter, and I observed them leaving flowers as though it was an alter.
ReplyDeleteAlso, how believable is it that Stocks and Bonds represent religious sensitivity, or sensitivity of any kind to anyone beyond their developer contributors?
NCT reporters motto: "Don't confuse me with the facts"
ReplyDeleteThis bottom of the barrel attempt to associate the Madonna mural with racial inappropriatness is the height of spin desperation. Racial insensitivity is the absolute last resort desperation to salvage what has been a disaster for $tock$ and Bond. The community supported this art piece and the 'rules' are never set in stone, unless you are a droid robot intent on asserting your power. This is supposed to be representative government - no amount of white-washing will disguise the fact that Encintias has major problems in City Hall. There needs to be turn-over in city government - there is too much self interest and selective special interest representation going on - Dump $tock$ and Bond.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the mural wall has become an inpromtu message board - people are chalking comments on the wall. Perhaps this is the next evolution of "The Wall" - political commentary. Let it become a tradition like dressing the Kook - freedom of expression in a non-destructive manner - biodegradable chalk! Let the people be heard!
I would be more impressed by Mr. Patterson if his mosaic was the Statue of Liberty riding a surf board with the saying, "save our liberties".
ReplyDeleteAs it is, he is nothing more than an opportunist.