Apr 26 2008
The Simple Things
I went to the museum today with a group of about 20-30 Africans. Very few of them spoke English, and none of the volunteers spoke any of their native languages. There were no translators. The trip was planned by Karen Morris, who teaches “In Search of Africa,” a class at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. She and her students wanted to share the art they love with the people of the continent they were learning about.
Only Karen could speak French, which some of the immigrants spoke, and therefore acted as the main communicator between the groups. But once the groups split up to explore the museum, communication wasn’t really necessary. Everyone seemed to have a good time.
What was amazing to observe was how the group of immigrants reacted to the art work. It was a whole new world. And ideals Americans take for granted were foreign to them. Something as simple as not touching the artwork, or not being loud. There was so much they hadn’t seen and so much they didn’t know.
And since they don’t understand English, they can’t read the placards to gain any understanding.
Overall, the day made me think about how helpless immigrants and refugees must often feel. Without programs to help them integrate in our society, they are lost.
Going to the museum also pointed out cultural differences that act as barriers between immigrants and the American community. One of the ladies had her baby on her back, which is normal in most African countries. She was told she couldn’t keep her baby on her back as she entered the museum. None of us could figure out why … it’s not a backpack, nor is it a baby carrier … but “rules” are “rules,” right? Eventually they found her a stroller to loan during our tour around the museum.
Also, they all wanted to touch the art work and peer at it closer, often setting off the alarms that remind people to stay back and not touch. They tapped on the sculputres, and pressed their faces against some of the glass. Luckily no security guards were around to go crazy on us … although a group of them followed us through an exhibit after eyeing us for a while.
