following up on the fiesta

Okay: So, here's the letter I just sent off to the Dean of Students, to the new VP of Institutional Diversity and the faculty advisor of the club.

I queried some of my students and they can see the problems and pointed -- quite rightly -- to the larger context of Butler County, our xenophobic sheriff, and recent press coverage.

I have been asking some faculty colleagues in the Programs Office to respond. Some look away and have other fish to fry. One, the head of Latin American Studies (of all things!) was dismissive until I sent her pictures and put my concerns in writing to her. She has now sent a note of inquiry to the larger LAS community on the three campuses. This morning, I was so angry, I thought that I would put my head down, collect my paycheck and apply apply apply to other jobs. This afternoon, I came up with this.

Dear Colleagues:

I write this afternoon concerning the logo used on the banner presently strung across Shriver, the posters on sandwich boards and the tee-shirt that CAC students are sporting. Specifically, I am concerned about the depiction of the human figure slumbering next to a cactus under a sombrero. This image, trading on stereotypes about Central Americans, is deeply problematic, especially given the larger context of our particular institutional demographics and our location in Butler County.

I am reminded of President Hodge's memo on the noose incident dated April 11.

There, he stated: "Intellectual engagement is maximized by embracing diverse and multifaceted points of view and life experiences in an environment that must be open and welcoming to all.

"There will be moments when our sense of community will be challenged, as in the case of this incident. We must not allow these incidents to divide us further, but rather, we must resolve to experience these events as critical learning opportunities. These are moments when we can, and must, discover more about who we are, our history, contemporary issues, and what we can do to create not only a better university, but a more just, a more inclusive, a more supportive world."

I very much long to teach at “a better university” that is more just, more inclusive and more supportive.

As a first year faculty person, I realize that I may be wading into deep and troubled waters. Yet, I wonder what it would take to realize this personal and professional goal here at Miami? And I wonder whether and how I may be helpful? I wonder whether it may be appropriate to offer my services for training for student organizations in graphic communication and visual culture?

How might we use these opportunities -- ones that come with some frequency here on the Oxford campus – for a critical learning opportunity? (I am not interested in an email from President Hodge or a website of resources compiled by the Center for American and World Cultures).

I have registered my concern about one piece of problematic printed material that issued from the Provost's Office earlier this year with you, Susan. I appreciated your reply on behalf of the committee. As I reflect on my first academic year here, I am struck by how often the culture of Miami has brought me up short. (The expression "force/add", the New Faculty Orientation, the nooses, this sombrero, and on.)

May I be of use? How? In American Studies, I teach and write about visual culture – so that seems like one set of skills that I may offer.

Thanks for your time and attention. I appreciate your efforts.