Sidney High School
Mural Synopsis
Our mural explores race, culture, and identity from several perspectives by looking at personal and historical experiences, news articles, and even different spiritualities. Seeing the beauty in difference, we can learn more about who people really are and can begin to bridge our diversity. Discovering new cultures and identities can expand how much someone knows about the world and can change how real world events will affect them. Learning what makes someone different and what makes people similar is the key to finding unity between all.
Within America’s racial community, white Americans are the racial majority of the US. It is not surprising that throughout the US history, white male Americans had more power and dominance and discriminated against anyone who was different. Those in power try to stay on the top of the chain, often at the expense of others. However, we must learn from history and our mistakes and strive to be more united as a country. Even though we are learning from our mistakes there are still minorities being discriminated against.
The second largest minority group in the U.S. is African Americans, who make up about 13.4% of our population. African Americans at first came to the US as slaves. They were brought here under terrible conditions. They were treated horribly after arriving in the U.S. and not even treated as human. This slavery lasted hundreds of years and even after slavery was abolished, they were still treated the same way. They were discriminated against, and even now they suffer as the result of the bigotry of others. BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement started in 2013 because of racial inequality in the U.S. African Americans today are still fighting to be treated equally but they know who they are and are proud of it.
Native Americans have also had a very rough history. Their home was invaded and they were forced to change themselves and their entire lives. Their land got stolen and they were forced onto reservations and treated like animals. Their beliefs were seen as brutal and savage. Richard Henry Pratt said “Kill the Indian, save the man” implying that they were not human and their ways were wrong.
Due to a lack of global awareness, we overlook how other cultures and spiritualities are affected by biases. Spirituality can form a large part of a cultural identity. Many indigenous people worldwide honor nature to guide them and to understand the universe and its energies. Their beliefs are just as valid as any one else’s. Reminding us that everyone has a right to be proud of their heritage. Our mural stresses that the balance of nature is very important. Symbols in the mural include images of different practices. Respecting others beliefs and finding commonality is what makes the bond stronger. between people. Spirituality is only one of the many aspects of cultural self image.
Another obstacle in our country is that the news we often see in the media is not accurate or overlooks issues. One of the biggest problems today is not knowing what’s happening in foreign countries. One example is a recent story from Bolivia. The Bolivian government has many issues of its own. Approximately 40% of the population lives in poverty. In Bolivia, the citizens have to deal with not only poverty, but also discrimination, harsh government, laws, and an increasingly violent political crisis, exposing historical racial, ethnic, and geographic divides among social classes. We have our problems in the U.S., but we should also look outside of our world and realize that other countries are struggling also.
In our mural we depict Bolivia’s history using color and form. The background comes from the Bolivian wiphala flag which is prominent in indigineous activities. The character painted represents that the pain of loss has been shed, but the fight was worth the change.
Culture is a big part of how people see each other and how we see ourselves. It can be a source of our self image, and all people should take pride in who they are and how they identify. Our human journey has brought more emotional struggles than just a few words can express. Finding out what makes us who we are, molds our present, and shapes our futures. Bonding through our identities and learning of the struggles of others allows us to explore others’ cultures, identities, and makes us part of the human culture. Seeing the beauty of difference is what can allow us to become brighter and stronger as individuals and more united as people.
