PHIL 347 Week 2 Discussion

Student Name

Chamberlain University

PHIL-347: Critical Reasoning

Prof. Name:

Date

Action to Take on the Artwork

The murals depicting America’s past, particularly those that involve themes of slavery, prejudice, and hatred, should not be left visible in public spaces like high schools. These murals serve as stark reminders of painful historical events that could provoke negative emotional responses from viewers. Therefore, I strongly argue that the murals should either be destroyed or covered up to prevent perpetuating harmful and divisive narratives. The potential psychological impact on students and other members of the community is an important consideration when determining the future of these artworks.

Message Conveyed by the Artwork

Victor Arnautoff, the artist behind the murals, originally created them to reflect the significant events of the revolutionary era. At the time of their creation, the murals may not have been perceived as offensive, as their intent was to provoke thought about past political controversies and social events. However, over time, the political context of these representations has shifted, and the murals now convey a message that may not align with modern values of inclusivity and respect. While they were likely intended to spark dialogue about historical issues, today’s viewers may find them uncomfortable and even harmful. The murals’ messages no longer resonate in a way that is constructive to contemporary societal values.

The Artwork’s Historic Significance and the Artists’ Intentions

Although the murals are historically significant, not all forms of history should be preserved, especially when they depict painful or tragic events. In today’s society, there is a growing desire to engage with historical truths rather than an idealized or sanitized version of the past. The artist’s intentions might have been to reflect on the complexities of America’s history, but in doing so, he may have intentionally excluded critical perspectives, such as the devastating impacts of slavery and genocide faced by African Americans and Native Americans. Furthermore, individual interpretations of the murals may vary depending on viewers’ personal experiences and biases, which further complicates the reception of the artist’s intended message.

References

Mahnken, K. (2019, July 23). Censorship or student safety? Plans to remove iconic mural at San Francisco High School spark furor. The 74 Million. Retrieved January 15, 2022, from https://www.the74million.org/article/censorship-or-student-safety-plans-to-remove-iconic-mural-at-san-francisco-high-school-spark-furor/