I would have no problem of students using cultural icons in their artwork. Afterall, they are every where and reflect in our lives. I think I would do as the teacher was encouraged to do is to discuss a topic about an icon and bring up controversial issues that are relevant to students. It will get them interested and involved in discussing deeper meaing about an icon and also get them to talk about their artwork afterward. I think that it is important to make projects that have the students imput. "If we listen to our students, they will listen to us."
The images can tell us a lot about the students if we are aware and make good observations. I would try not to judge or think stereotypically about a student, but it I can get the students to discuss more to me about what and why they used this icon in their piece I could learn a lot and use it for future reference.
If a student used an image that represented a culture but was deemed inappropriate I would either talk to them about it and see if it can be a project that they write up a significance about that we could display next to the picture,. or talk to them and give them credit but let them know we might not be able to discuss it in class. It really depends but art is a form of freedom of speech and I think that we are too quick to point out thing that could be wrong. If it is offensive to you , then do not look at it!
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I agree with you about not having a problem with your students using the icons in your work but i think its important like you said to encourage them to talk about the issues and in that way they are still using the cultural icons but they are thinking about them in there own life and then the work can still relate towards themselves.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that students should be able to use cultural icons, but do you think some do exist that may be deemed offense to more than just a biased person? One example I can think of is the Confederate Flag. But in terms of there being a right or wrong to art, I again agree that there should not be a defining line. As teachers though, we do need to take school policy into consideration.
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