I'm Gloria Pearson, Outreach Associate and
ArtReach/ArtVan Coordinator for the Indpls Art Center,
IN.  I've been given a copy of the last two responses
to diversity on the museum email-line.  I may not have
all of the info, but here's my take on the subject:
I have my own perspective and comments and am
including the final draft of the Indianapolis Art
Center's Position Paper on Diversity.  Just recently,
the Outreach Department took the challenge to revise
and update the Art Center's previous papers on
"multiculturalism and lesser served audiences."

As a third-generation Mexican/Native American, female,
conceptual artist and arts administrator from
California, in an inter-racial marriage, I have
certainly given diversity issues some thought.  I was
fortunate to assist in the revision of this important
policy paper for the Art Center.  Please let us know
what you think of it!

Here's a good story I heard in a presentation on the
topic of diversity:  Once upon a time there was a
monkey and a fish that were involved in a great flood.
 Because the monkey was agile and able to climb tall
trees, he was able to avoid the onrush of water.
However, he noticed a fish in the water struggling to
keep control.  In a moment of compassion he reached
down and lifted the fish out of the water to save him.
 However, the fish did not appreciate this 'gift.'
Moral:  Very often, those who can attempt to 'help'
others from their own perspectives and wind up
insulting or worse, hurting the recipient.  There is
now a platinum rule to replace the golden rule:  "Do
unto others as they would have you do unto them."

Discussions on diversity are touchy to say the least.
Change causes resistances we often aren't even aware
that we have.  Sometimes we are our own worst enemies.
 Baby steps work - I keep saying this to myself, even
though I'm rather impatient on these matters.  An
important concept is to create a balanced work
environment - hiring practices being a very integral
part of this goal.  Sensitivity and diversity training
of staff is essential.  It's nice to develop a policy,
philosophy, etcetera, however - if it's not
implemented, so what?!

Never before has the US been as diverse as it is
today, and "powers" willing - it will not return to a
less diverse community, yet it will only grow more and
more diverse.
Then again, there's that wonderful quote from the
movie "Bullworth," that I will paraphrase:  "Everyone
should f--- each other until there are no more races!"
 But that takes time, and all in good time!  Of course
I must disclaim my own warped sense of humor which
does not in any way reflect the opinions or views of
the wonderful Art Center that I work at. J


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