Hows this for quick?? :)

Less I gotta do later in the week :)

We only have to do two, right?...Hopefully!

So i began by reading the new york times article: “The Inside Story on Outsiderness.”

This articles talks about the new 22 ft sign that is being hung in the Whitney Museum of American Art saying “negro sunshine”. Designed by the artist Glenn Ligon who received his inspiration from a 1909 novel talking of a mixed-race women. It is a phrase used to speak of the history of African-Americans. But the article states how people are wondering if the phrase and how it is made up is meant to shock. Mr. Ligon was surprised by people thinking this, but it got a reaction which is what every artist wants. People state that his work “feels particularly timely because it comes at a moment when glaring polemics are no longer fashionable.”

I think it is interesting how words hold so much power, and harnessing that can create really striking art. I feel as if that is what is happening with this piece. The artist obviously had to be aware that people would double take on this phrase, like he said it is not language of this time. I love how it is stated that, not only in this piece but in his other works, he raises a controversial question and leaves the viewer to work for the answers. I enjoyed how this article put a focus on Mr Ligon’s appearance giving a face to the piece and helping the reader to understand his character. Sometimes this makes a piece even more interesting, when understanding the maker. 

He has become a success, even having Obama choose one of his pieces. 

His description of why he uses stencils is interesting as well....”it’s a way to be semi-mechanical, to make letters that are not handwriting but have personality.” I found his methods pretty interesting.

And on to the second article....

Welll after reading the first paragraph of this article ill let you know i will defiantly have an opinion. I hate swearing. Hate it, hate it, hate it and grew up with everyone around me hating it. 

It initially brings up the very good point of why a swear word is a swear word. I’ve always wondered how we can say words that in other countries people would consider a swear word but because it does not have that connotation here in america it is alright to say and holds no effect, vice versa. 

It is interesting the power we give words. But most interesting, how words can be changed due to their context. In the article they also talked about it in context of how it is said. Like is saying the f word not in the sexual content t or literally saying the s word to signify crap and not just in a frustrated manner. This brings up the question...is it then wrong? The FCC claimed that “even when the speaker does not intend a sexual meaning, a substantial part of the community...will understand the words as freighted with an offensive sexual connotation.” I actually agree with this, even though i know most people would not. 

The sentence that stuck out the most was this; “that over time, taboo words relinquish their literal meaning and retain only a coloring of emotion, and then just an ability to arouse attention.” Agreed again. It isn’t so much the word but the impact that the word can reach that is important. Most of these words have lost their meaning, but they are understood to powerfully express an emotion. It really is an intense grey area when you think about it. Saying swear words to college students is a norm, but then why can’t it be said to 5 year olds? It isn’t so much the word but the connotation that it sticks with, the way it makes someone instantly portrayed. Our world is made up of so many things that instantly categorize you if you do (or say) them, which is slightly confusing. I feel swearing is wrong because it has such a bad connotation it portrays someone in a light wether that be negative or positive, but a lot of time it depends on the viewer. What truly is wrong? Is it what the public decides is wrong? It is what history states is wrong? Is it what the larger masses declares is wrong?...I’m just gonna stay away form this grey area :)