A pair of Atlanta police officers have filed complaints against a piece of artwork that is being displayed at City Hall East.The message on the artwork is in fact correct. It is politically okay to hate the white man in many parts of this country. Remember this item from Detroit?
They are the latest complaints about the controversial display that some say promotes racism. Many of those complaining insist that the art be taken down.
The exhibit is designed to showcase both well-known artists as well as those just starting out. The piece that is garnering all of the attention is called "Formula For Hatred."
"If I had thought it was offensive, I would not have agreed to show it," said curator Freddie Styles.
Of all the pieces in the City Hall East art display, Styles said he expected complaints about the sketches of nudity -- but not the one that is getting all the attention.
"I thought it was an attractive piece visually," Styles said.
The piece has 32 flags, with a hidden message that reads, "Politically It's Okay To Hate The White Man."
City officials are refusing to remove the piece despite its inflammatory message. I'm sure somebody will bring up some sort of First Amendment issue with demanding the removal, but the First Amendment doesn't protect all speech and this item is the art equivalent of shouting "fire!" in a crowded theater.
The fact that somebody in the leadership in Atlanta thought this was appropriate in a public building is more disturbing than the artwork itself.
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