The Best Part Abount Censorship is @*!

Last week in class, we discussed freedom of speech and what kinds of expression are not protected under the Constitution, including obscenity and pornography.  Since you should all be working on preparing the visuals for your final project, I thought this would be a good time to discuss censorship.

Did you know that the school often regulates or censors what types of student work can be displayed in the hallways?  In the past, I’ve been told not to display student projects that reference drugs or sex and/or have graphic images. Some would say that the school has an interest in protecting their image.  Parents and prospective students tour the hallways and it’s important not to offend anyone.  Still others would say that the school is practicing a form of censorship.  Political art makes a statement and pushes the boundaries of what is appropriate. How can a school that promotes creative and artistic license, censor student work?

So my question to you this week is, “Do you think the school has a right to censor student work that is being displayed in the hallways?  Why or why not?”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, December 4^th, 2011.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

Now, I have made it clear in class that Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I don't like the way schools fictionalize a story that sounds good, while ignoring the sad facts about how we really treated Native Americans in this country. That being said, I have learned to treat Thanksgiving as a reminder of all the things I am thankful for.

This year, as always, I am thankful for my faith, my family and my friends. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who love me. I am also thankful that I have two jobs in an economy where people often can't find one. I have been blessed this year in buying my first home and I am thankful that I have the means to do so.  This year, I will host Christmas for the first time and I'm excited to create new memories in my own home.

So, in honor of the holiday my question to you this week will be an easy one. "What are you thankful for this holiday season?" Answers are due no later than Sunday, November 27th, 2011.  I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday full of good food, good friends and good conversation! Enjoy your break!

The Next Great Indy Artist

Do you know what an impact your creativity could have on your community? I planned to blog this week about what seems to be a rise in crime in Indianapolis. As I was doing my research, I found one crime prevention method that seems to be working in several cities around the country: public art.

My first thought was of the electronic dancing people I’ve seen downtown. My second thought was, “How does public art relate to crime prevention”? Further research revealed what I should’ve already known. Public art gives young people something to do other than hang out in the streets. It can make neighborhoods nicer, increase property values, and attract new business, which brings new jobs. People that live in nice neighborhoods, are employed, and have enough money to raise a family are far less likely to commit crimes.

According to the Arts Council of Indianapolis, public art can take a variety of forms. Historically, art that is accessible to the public has been in the form of freestanding pieces of work or objects that occupy a public space, such as sculptures and memorials. Now, in a growing number of cities functional objects such as benches, trails, bridges and manhole covers can become commissioned works by artists.

Now those of you who know me, know that I am a big believer in giving back. Whether it’s volunteering someplace, helping someone in need, or contributing something to the community, my motto has always been to try and leave the world better than I found it. So in that same spirit, my question to you this week is “What kind of public art would you create in Indianapolis if money for the project was no object? Where would it be located and what would its message be?" Think about it! Answers are due no later than Sunday, November 20th, 2011.

I Vote! I Count!

Over the weekend, President Clinton called me.  Yes, that’s right, President Clinton called me! Sure it was an automated robocall encouraging me to vote for Melina Kennedy for Indianapolis mayor, but I was excited all the same.  I was way less excited to go to my mailbox Saturday afternoon and find no less than 8 different advertisements all related to the race for mayor.  The advertisements went straight into the trash, and it seemed a big waste of money and environmental resources.

The Indianapolis mayor’s race has been the most expensive in history, with both candidates combined fundraising totals over $8 million. Voters in Indianapolis have been overwhelmed with attack ads, as we hit the final stretch for candidates to get their message out before tomorrow’s general election.

So, in light of tomorrow’s election, my question to you this week is, “Do you plan to vote in Tuesday’s election?  Why or why not?  Do you think “attack ads” work, or do they just turn people off from voting?”  You must answer all parts of the question to earn full credit.  Answers are due no later than Sunday, November 13^th, 2011.  By the way, if you need information on where you should go to vote, please go here: http://www.indianavoters.com  If you haven’t registered yet, it’s too late to vote in tomorrow’s election, but take a few minutes and register today!  It only takes a few minutes and you’ll be all set for next year’s Presidential race.