After examining artist Lei Yixin's proposed rendering of Martin Luther King, jr. for a new DC memorial (at left), the US Commission of Fine Arts concluded that the planned sculpture would be too "confrontational" and that it "reflects a genre of sculpture that has recently been pulled down in other countries." The commission recommended a "softening of Dr. King."
If you aren't already shaking with rage about this shameless attempt to completely erase the legacy of the civil rights and antiwar movements, read this essay by Ibram Rogers, who was on NPR today patiently explaining Lei Yixin's choice while old white people called in and said things like, "You're too young to remember--he was never confrontational." Also, "People are never just their ideologies," and "Maybe if they raised his chin a little, he would look more peaceful." The callers also helpfully clarified the panel's comments by pointing out that the Chinese artist's sculpture reminded them of Stalin and Mao statues.
I'm so angry, I can't write anymore.
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