Exhibits shatter stereotypes

By Asti Winston
Contributing Writer
Urban Edition

Remember Chiquita from the Banana, Chief Wahoo of the Indians, Pocahontas and Aunt Jemima? Images of these cultural mainstays are just a few of the everyday figures that are on display at the King Arts Complex’s newest exhibit, “Ethnic Images and Stereotypes: Similarities and Differences.”
The exhibit focuses on various stereotypes among five ethnic groups: African Americans, Asians, Latino/Hispanics, Native Americans and Appalachians.
“There have been other exhibits across the United States that have focused on one or two of these groups,” Jennifer Miller, cultural arts director, said. “But Ethnic Images and Stereotypes is the first to examine stereotypes across many racial lines.”
Most of the items come out of an era when each represented group was largely disenfranchised and struggling for equality. The images were reproduced in large numbers both in the US and abroad. Each derogatory item, which exaggerated stereotypical characteristics such as facial features, skin complexions, education, dialect, and laziness delivered a devastating blow to the images of minority groups all over the world.
Several organizers helped with the creation, collection, and funding of the exhibit including The Ohio State University, Capital University, The Organization of Chinese Americans, The YWCA, The Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio, The Columbus Council on World Affairs, and the Latino Arts for Humanity.
Miller admits that because this exhibit is more educational and intercultural, those who view it are able to admit to unconsciously stereotyping other groups.
“It has been a healing experience for me. To be able to stand up against these stereotypes as a member of the majority,” Miller said. “The only way to check ourselves is to look at them (the images.)”
Organizers purposely minimized commentary throughout the display in order to create dialogue and conversation. They hope that honest conversations about perceptions and reactions can be educational tools.
“A lot of these stereotypes are a mark of progress,” said Ken Goings, chair of the African American and African studies department at The Ohio State University. “I think this exhibit shows that we need to be careful how we view others.”
“I don’t think people really understand what a stereotype is,” Grace Chen, president of Columbus chapter of The Organization of Chinese Americans, said. “This exhibit was made to promote awareness, and I think it’s doing very well.”
Ethnic Images and Stereotypes: Similarities and Differences can be viewed from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday at the King Arts Complex. For more information or to schedule a guided tour of the exhibit, call 614-645-5464.