I cannot be offended by “art” it is an expression of the artists creative perspective.
Some times we as a people can be too sensitive.
This mural doesn’t represent me so it can’t be offensive to me.

Typical Women with Attitudes from the HOOD, I bet they can relate and are definitely offended, I am not LMAO!

WHITE FOLKS FEELING INSECURE AGAIN. LOL. UP TO THIER OLD TRICKS. SORRY OUR LADIES AREN’T DISGUSTINGLY PALE AND BONE THIN LIKE URS.

JEALOUS B**CHES.

no cause i dont look dress or pose like that

Hmmmm…when I look at this, I see the women it represents and at times I wish I could show them a mirror so they can see the reflection of their soul.

LMAO…OK SO OBVIOUSLY I DIDNT READ THE ARTICLE. HAD NO IDEA A “LATINA” WAS THE ARTIST.

SMH

Wow. i dont see anything wrong with the murals. I feel as though if you know who you are & no your identity. Thennnn you shouldn’t be in complete awe about it. You neve know what inspired the artist. It’s probably what she sees in her everyday life..it could be anything. Has anyone bothered to ask thee artist.??? –xo

knock it off LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The artist is only creating a vision of what he SEES, its not like its a flat-out LIE!!!!! What you take from the picture is basically your own decision and to say he didnt add a White woman is stupid on your part being that he is PUERTO RICAN and not WHITE, if that is your argument LMAO.
I take it you have the FLIPPED PURPLE HAIR, LONG NAILS, and SUPERSIZED earrings LMAO!!!!
GET IT BONQUESHA!!!!!! LMAO!!!!!

That mural doesn’t look like me but I can understand why some people are offended.

Well maybe that what’s the artist eyes sees. Those types of chicks does exsist. Now it’s up to you to change the sterotype.

Well said tina

It represents slackness and the down fall of woman.

Standing OVATION@Tina
Excellent statement, You nailed it!!!!!!!!!!

Only thing I would say to this person is that they did it for attention – she could of went positive too – using ghetto decor as well.

Wow. People people PLEASE. stop getting so offended..damn are you all having some sort of identity crisis.? Er something.? Why do you IMMEDIATELY start bashing caucasians.? *sidenote* & yes i am black

@Littleenglander

lol go to datzwhatzup.net. Women going clubs with no pants on just body suits. lace covers over bra and underwear. I tell ya.

Thats just awful!

But LADIES AND GENTS!

PLEASE CHECK OUT MY SITE HTTP://WWW.CMICHELLESTYLES.COM I would love the support!

Thanks guys!

Ha Ha lmao @ Tina trying to represent herself as a black woman…Total failure.

Who cares!!! My boyfriend thinks the same with me. He- is eight years older than me, lol. We met online at an age gap dating site- A_ge_m_in_g l e @ c//o//m a nice and free place for Younger- Women and Older Men, or Older Women and Younger Men, to interact with each other. Maybe you wanna check out or- tell your friends.

it’s not that serious….I actually find it quite interesting as a BLACK WOMAN.

I think its offensive because even though every race has its degenerates, only the low lives of minority races are always being put on blast for all to see as if its representitive of all of us. when MTV came out with the Jersey Shore Italians were up in ARMS at those low lives represting their race. And we shouldnt let this slide either

I don’t know the context so I can’t really get offended. I don’t get the message or the vision the artist is trying to convey. I would like to know what inspired the artist so I can make a more informed opinion.

I can, however, see how the images could be disturbing or offensive to some folks. I think the fact that it’s displayed in midtown probably has something to do with it.

THANK YOU TINA!!!

Why get mad at truth?

Again, not for the exceptions.

So what is the message????
NO! Because we can’t afford negativity in the middle of human rights movement. We still are experiencing racism so any open gate will get you defeated. Poverty is part of black and Latino’s big wall that we still have to overcome. We need more COLLEGE education for both community period. Music (microphone) and art (paintings) messages goes WORLWIDE so you have to make sure you use the power to send a SIMPLE BUT STRONG message.

This is a quote from the artist Sofia Maldonado posted on another blog (link below):

postpomonuyorican.blogspot.com/

“The mural illustrates strong New York City women as a tribute to the Caribbean experience in America. Inspired by my heritage, it illustrates a female aesthetic that is not usually represented in media or fashion advertising in Times Square. It recognizes the beauty of underground cultures such as reggaeton, hip-hop and dancehall and incorporates trends such as nail art and Latina fashion. Green organic forms represent the imaginary land that third generation immigrants create in their minds about their countries of origin. I represent the characters and happenings that tourists usually do not see in Times Square, even though it could be a frequent scene in the other boroughs of New York City. These women are strong single mothers or wives who enjoy life and have overcome tough experiences living in and immigrating from a third world country.”

@ Sydney

WOW…so i guess a black woman with her breasts hanging out and legs open represent power and strength?! The artist definitely has no clue about strong single mothers.

I dont see anything wrong with it, its just art.

um…THE BYTCH JUST CAIN’T DRAW—DAT’S THE PROBLEM!!!

that is all. :/

Thanks @ Sydney

So with the knowledge of her vision I have to say that I’m a little offended. The women in the mural don’t come across as “strong” they come across as lost. If the artist was trying to give Times Square a glimpse into latino/black/caribbean culture then I think she failed. It seems as if her mission was to enlighten the usually white bred midtown area but I think she sent them the wrong message.

*correction* she is NOT edgy or different

@ EVERYBODY who this does not offend

Ok, so if they had a mural of a man pickin cotton you would just brush it off like ‘Im not pickin so that dont offend me” ????

What kinda logic is that?

@ Rose

I guess they thought no-one would notice. lmao

I just read about the mural this morning and had not previously heard of this artist, but I’m struck by a few details: 1) the choices of images of black and Latina women used in the mural; 2) the placement of the mural in a highly trafficked business area of NYC where you routinely see women of color garbed in business attire (not skimpy, provocative outfits) on their way to work and other venues.

As a black woman, I’m constantly reminded about the importance of how we are portrayed in mainstream culture as well as in our own community. I read an article recently in which a sister said she feels that she has to “fight for her femininity” as soon as she enters the door, and I, too, have felt that the spectre of stereotypes is constantly present for black women, and unlike some of our counterparts, we are not granted the same sense of individuality – What some of us do/wear/say/act reflects on the greater group of black women as a whole. Ms. Maldonado could have just as easily chosen to depict the women who aren’t seen enough in popular images, IMHO – the career women, the wives, the nurturing mothers, et cetera. I can see how a sister who has to p-a-s-s by such images that she has to regularly fight to dispute would be offended by such “art.”

You should ne offended not becuase it relates to you but at the notion that ‘thats cool’ and its in plain view. Yes women dress like that but it doesnt make it right.

I.e. We all lie and cuss but that doesnt mean we teach our kids to.

I think it’s beautiful… black people have become way too sensitive. If you don’t want to be seen a certain way, then stop acting like it. that’s it…

Im trying to figure out why a few dumb posters trying to throw in the WHITE aspect for this blog? I dont get it? If someone else could help me understand please do. What is their point? What does the White woman have to do with this image? NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im a educated black women and I dont see anything wrong with artist Sofia Maldonado mural. Latina and black women are beautiful individuals. I dress professional while conducting business. But when its time to dance and party, I just might let it all hang out. Only God Can Judge Me!

First of all, it’s art, which is always subjective. Second of all, there are women like this everywhere. It’s the artists decision what she wants to represent in her work…and not everyone has to like it.

We love to see the good, but it’s hard to swollow the bad. We want to ignore it, pretend it’s not there…but that won’t make it go away.

I would rather see a mural, with Latina and black women anyday. I get tired of looking at skinny women all the time.

And if anyone thinks that this mural represents all black woman, you’ve missed the point, I believe.

After all, it doesn’t represent me, but I am not fool enough to not see who it does represent.

@getting down… you know they did!! You know we up on all that crap… you cant fool the KID!!!

She should have put a white woman in there too.. be fair about it!!

@Ms. Brilly

I am from the east coast and I travel around the country very often in my field of work and I have lived in various areas and I see women dressed like that, not all women but a good number…Maybe the artist painted what he sees but I know I see it often…You may not but I know I do.

@ BigD
First of all, it’s art, which is always subjective. Second of all, there are women like this everywhere. It’s the artists decision what she wants to represent in her work…and not everyone has to like it.

I agree with your post, but most people no nothing about art. So they get offended by it easily. I love the Arts and I have learned to embrace it and express myself through the ARTS!

JAY AND ALICIA KEYS THUMPING IN THE BACKGROUND

WHEN YOU’RE IN NEW YORK
THE BRIGHT LIGHTS WILL INSPIRE YOU

BROWNSVILLE YA’LL

An accurate representation of the simple minded “hood” chick and yea they could’ve added a white girl but only those that fit that stereotype would take offense.

I agree with the last couple of paragraphs, and what about the “sheer joy of art”???>tho racism must be kept in check!!!

I don’t see anything wrong with the mural. It is a beautiful work of art. As an black woman living in the city of Rochester NY I see women dressed in this manner all the time. We all do where ever we live. You can turn to MTV or BET to see women dressed like that. The way the are standing are ways that women stand when dancing.

I am have never been an Art fanatic but I’m told that everyone can have there own interpretation to understand or express themselves through Art…We don’t know the artist’s view or interpretation but when I look at them it appears to be women who had lived rough lives and/or prostitutes..they look like that have been through some things so I can see the reason for the uproar..if this was the artist’s vision do we really need to see these type of images daily or do we embrace these images to hopefully bring change in our communities?

It’s kind of accurate for Latina women tho.

Yes there are women like this everywhere but does that make it right to glorify these images just like BET, MTV, Vh1 etc?

And Tina girl, please sit down. Nobody care about you having over 300 cousins. Your points are irrelevant.

This piece of art is doing exactly what it should…ignite conflict, debate, thought, reflection, interpretation, anger, sadness, etc.

@Noelle

It doesnt matter how white people see us, it matters how our children see us.

Love the Mural.

lol white ppl is wack be-caz this b’tch is white latina! hahahahhaahhaha sh’t!!

LATINO NOT F’CKIN RACE!!!!

“Just Me
3/19/10, 09:40:am

@ Sydney

WOW…so i guess a black woman with her ***** hanging out and legs open represent power and strength?!”

Uhhh, well that’s how they usually wind up as single mothers and hoochies, so yes, the artist did accurately convey (through this mural) a large faction of the black and latin female population.

@gp1910

I AM A HEADHUNTER AND IT’S not funny BUT i GIGGLE TOO. AND HOW CAN YOU CORRECT OR INFORM AN ADULT ABOUT MATTERS OF DECORUM AND PROPRIETY? SUCH BEHAVIOR USUALLY ELICITS A LOOK OF HEARTFELT PITY. IT’S SAD

Loving the mural. I don’t find it offensive but colorful & humorous which is what the artist managed to achieve as well as to have ppl talking.

Besides,we have more important things,bigger issues to worry about than some random art piece IMO.

There are more negative/stereotypical images displayed on mags,tv,internet etc.

@Marquis De Sade

You know the sisters only become single mothers through immaculate conception.

@MARQUIS DE SAD

A TRUE SADIST WOULD :
WOW…so i guess a black woman with her ***** hanging out and legs open represent power and strength?!”

NONCOMPISMENTIS I TELL YOU

Anyways,unless fall into certain stereotypes,then you have nothing to worry nor feel offended about.

its so sad 2 see this does not bother majority black women on here but most of you agreeing are just like that or can relate, you are truly the white mans bit$h

I actually walked by this garbage yesterday there where just a few people protesting this.. I did get offended at first glance.. I was like WTF is the supposed to mean..

Kigali, you never answered my question the other week. What’s the difference between a black man and a black male?

Oh, are you African or Haitian? And, your husband is Asian, right?

Honestly, I do think there are too many negative images portraying black women, but this is art…which means it is abstract and meant to emphasize certain attributes and subtle traits of its subject. According to Sydney’s article, the artist is depicting Caribbean culture in America which is colorful, and at times the women may dress provocative and revealing when they are partying and letting their hair down. I honestly see it as reflecting THOSE GROUP OF WOMEN…and those groups of women make up a large population of NYC culture…

@ kigali- Life for Dummies

I agree with your statement. My son just received a $40,000 scholarship for college. He’s is always telling me not to wear my club outfits to his high school. But I think my club outfits got him that scholarship.

Peace!

@You Owe Everyone…

I have never made a distinction between black men and black males. I am Haitian. Who the hell are you?

I love the ARTS!

tina said: And not to speak on how some of us dress at work, in public, and at work. I think this photo is an accurate light of the majority of these women.

******************************************

you forgot to add CHURCH too. it looks pretty d*mn accurate to me except a few tattoos are missing.

You Owe Everyone

I think you should direct that “RHETORICAL” question at DA HONEST TRUTH aka SMDH. She/It was the one who coined that “SKEWED” distinction.

Hi, Kigali!

People are always trying to make themselves look good, by degrading others. “BUT I”M ABOUT MY BUSINESS” so I just let the haters hate.

@kigali- Life for Dummies

May God bless your country and the people that were effected, by the earthquake.

“You Owe Everyone

I think you should direct that “RHETORICAL” question at DA HONEST TRUTH aka SMDH. She/It was the one who coined that “SKEWED” distinction.

Hi, Kigali! ”

Your fagg*t @ss just can’t resist talking about me, huh? I LOVE that I get aaalllll up in your weak @ss head the way I do! You’re WEAK! Typical weak @ss n i g g a! You let some woman you don’t even know on a blog get the best of you the way I do? LOL! Punk n i g g a!

‘I have never made a distinction between black men and black males.’

You often make the distinction between black women and black females, so I wondered if there was a difference between black men and black males. Now, are the qualities in the latter (men and males) dissimilar, or are we perfect, the same?

I could have sworn you said you were African.

‘Who the hell are you?’

Someone who’s trying to figure out who the hell are you. Now, is your husband African or Asian?

@Da Honest

Shouldnt you be somewhere thinking about what you would do if you had a man?

Don’t be fooled people. Kigali is a white male.

Can Tina, Soul Touch and all the others who are not offended please stop telling people how they should feel. Just because you are not offend doesn’t mean no one else should. People are entitled to their own feelings and viewpoints especially about art. There is no right or wrong reaction.

I don’t think you have to relate and/or embody a certain stereotype to take offense to images such as those portrayed in the mural. I am acutely aware of how these portrayals affect how the majority of us are viewed, whether or not we exhibit certain mannerisms, speech patterns, behaviors, et cetera.

I guess I must be in the minority, but these caricatures do NOT reflect the black women with whom I grew up, a-s-s-o-c-i-a-t-e-d, went to school, went to work, et al. I’m not going to tacitly accept such images, just as I would not expect the average black man I know to accept portrayals of brothers as thugs, convicts, etc.

@DaHonestTruth ~ Always Keepin it REAL

If being ignorant was a crime, your have received the death penalty by now. Give it a break boo, your making yourself look very stupid. You know Im the Queen of internet beef.

@You Owe Me

When I tell black females not to open their trap for every Tom, Stu, and Darnell, I am inadvertently admitting that there are black men out there that arent of good quality. You could have sworn a lot of things. Anyway please deal with my arguments. You dont need to know my life story.

‘I think you should direct that “RHETORICAL” question at DA HONEST TRUTH aka SMDH. She/It was the one who coined that “SKEWED” distinction.’

I’m not asking them, Mr. AARP. I’m asking Kigali. Now, run along and mind your damn business.

“Kigali, you never answered my question the other week. What’s the difference between a black man and a black smale?”

I can tell you the difference. One is a MAN while the other is a black person with p e n i s. Having a p e n i s does not make a male a man. His life experiences and worthiness makes him a man – something it may do the black man/male a lot of good to realize!

“I’m not asking them, Mr. AARP. I’m asking Kigali. Now, run along and mind your damn business.”

LOL I love it!

BTW: Marquis is a black male. He is one of those n i g g a s who thinks his sexuality makes him a man when in actuality he’s a weak @ss little black boy who likes to sit online all up in womens conversations while degrading them. LOL – what type of so called MAN sits on a blog arguing and insulting females all day? This n i g g a is WEAK!

Why this even important, if no one is going to do anything about having it removed! I know how to make a person hate me.

You Owe Everybody An Apology For Your S_h_i_t Ho

It’s an open blog, n i g g a b i t c h!

white mans bit$h white mans bit$h (yeah you) all the blacks agreeing, white mans bit$h white mans bit$h

‘I dont owe anybody a damn thing if your talking about me FREAK !’

Calm down. I’m not talking about you.

‘I am inadvertently admitting that there are black men out there that arent of good quality.’

Why must you inadvertently (not on purpose and not consciously) admit anything about black men? You can’t express yourself directly and advertently to the males and men?

Sistas with some morals or cl a s s have an understanding of the ARTS. They dont get offended by small and pity issues. They are more offended, when black men degrad them to make themselves look good!

DaHonestTruth aka SMDH

” state my comments about Kim K and I let it go as anyone on this blog has the right to – and my comments about Kim K get up under your skin and thats exactly why I do it – to p i s s off all the n i g g a s in here who worship her, like you! And no matter how transparent my rep is it gets under your skin and I love it! Stupid weak @ss ni g g a! you’re WEAK boy! Grow some *****s and stop being a little b@tch!”
I rest my case.

“It’s an open blog, n i g g a b i t c h! ”

and this is the type of uage this weak little b@tch starts using when he can’t shut a woman down! Isn’t it hysterical? A so called grown man and this is the best his little weak @ss can do when he can’t win an arguement? This little black boy really needs to grow some testicles! Thisis why I LOVE to get under his skin!

‘It’s an open blog, n i g g a b i t c h!’

LOL, I would think someone up in age would be more creative with his insults. I’d expect more from people advanced in years. You want to try again?

I LOVE to bring the b@tch out in this little weak @ss n i g g a – and I always do!

” I rest my case.”

well now that your case is rested can you go somewhere and grow some n u t s, little n i g g a boy?

Im out of here this is becoming to ignorant for me!

“To God Be The Glory”

@Da Honest

You know if a miserable fat white woman can get a man and you cant, that says a whole lot about you. I am like your Sarah Palin. I just make you crazy dont I? Silly rabbit.

“It’s an open blog, n i g g a b i t c h!’

LOL, I would think someone up in age would be more creative with his insults. I’d expect more from people advanced in years. You want to try again?”

thats a black “male” for ya, huh? He can’t help it! His n u t s haven’t dropped yet!

[...] ‘I am sick and tired of black folks protesting stuff they have no business protesting,” she writes. “This is an opportunity to detach from our knee-jerk, inferiority complex reactions, and open a dialogue, for young and grown, about how we see ourselves and how we try to manage how other people see us.’” (Source) [...]

If The New York Black Professionals are offended by this public display, they have every right to denounce it publicly. Art is art and has different points of view….people will see art differently…like people see see a car accident differently. It depends on what side of the street you are on, and what angle that you see the accident. Criticism is a part of life. Get over it. Just a theory.

You Owe Everybody An Apology For Your S_h_i_t Ho
And I would expect more from someone with an alleged younger and sharper mind. I guess we’re both guilty of bein’ overly presumptuous, eh, n i g g a b i t c h?

I like the mural…

every culture comes over here and shiats on the black culture.

how is it that the black and latina girls are hoooker but white girl is skateboarding…

America was built on racism and steretypes. Black should fight back and show them what they look like. But lets be real if he is a lowly artist mostly likely he is slumming in NEw York and that is proabbly his reality.

White media depicts us as lowlifes to all cultures!! so be mad at the media!!!!

what ya see is what ya get. andmost of the black shows, music, etc. on tv are a disgrace be real!!

1. I thought one pics was of Lil kim back in the day
2. lady gaga and beyonce in the other picture.. them h0s fit the bill!!!

HOW FAT IS SHE?

at the time her pics were outted on B E T dot come she appeared to be one twinkie away from looking like Mama C a s s!

I’m not offended because those chicks don’t look anything like me. The problem is black and latin women are so often portrayed negatively that this mural seems like it’s part of a pattern rather than art.

@ TGIF:

“HOW FAT IS SHE?”

at the time her pics were outted on B E T dot come she appeared to be one twinkie away from looking like Mama C a s s!

LOL
IN STITCHES!
WHAT’S THE LINK? I HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT

‘And I would expect more from someone with an alleged younger and sharper mind. I guess we’re both guilty of bein’ overly presumptuous, eh, n i g g a b i t c h?’

You wouldn’t expect s_h_i_t. You have no idea who I am. Now, tell me, how does it feel to take the dose of viagra, because you’re incapable of functioning usefully, Mr. AARP?

DaHonest.. I hear you and dont forget to add that sanslore to the list .. the skank d-face who also gets pissed off on a kim k blog and a big booty blog.. i cant understand a idiot who waste their time getting upset about what others post .. what the fu-k is their dumb azz problem? Im gonna keep posting what i please and aint a damn thing they can do about it but run the fu-k along!!

v_i_a_g_r_a

*whispers*

I’m not a woman.

But, tell me, how does it feel to be old and immature?

You Owe Everybody An Apology For Your S_h_i_t Ho

Not the ol’s V I A G R A insult? And you’re accusin’ me of bein’ immature and creatively-challenged? Ciao, n i g g a hoe.

“LOL
IN STITCHES!
WHAT’S THE LINK? I HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT”

The b e t dot com board has changed since this took place. I doubt I could find a link. We’re talking some years back – she is the same person. Its too coincidental that she is not. Too many things about her remain the same. She even admitted on this board she is married to an African man and the name Kigali is the name of the capital of Rhuwanda in Africa. She sits here all day bashing black women just as that chick did! Its just too coincidental.

‘Not the ol’s V I A G R A insult? ‘

LOL, way to step aside, and avoid answering.

‘And you’re accusin’ me of bein’ immature and creatively-challenged? ‘

Oh, you are. You’re old and you spend your LIFE on a blog targeting women. If that’s not immaturity, I don’t what is.

‘Ciao, n i g g a hoe.’

I see now. Anyone who disagrees with you has to be a woman.

*whispers*

This is fun, btw.

@DAhONEST

WOW! KIGALI-LIFE FOR DUMMIES
KIGALI RWANDA 800K GENOCIDE DEATHS. SOUNDS LIKE NAZISM, WHITE SUPREMACY.

HOW FAT IS SHE AGAIN?

“DaHonest.. I hear you and dont forget to add that sanslore to the list .. the skank d-face who also gets *****ed off on a kim k blog and a big booty blog.. i cant understand a idiot who waste their time getting upset about what others post .. what the fu-k is their dumb azz problem? Im gonna keep posting what i please and aint a damn thing they can do about it but run the fu-k along!!”

LOL – okay? I will never get these people who get upset at what you have to say about a celebrity on a celebrity blog then try to turn it aorund like its YOU who has the problem!

“Not the ol’s V I A G R A insult? ‘

LOL, way to step aside, and avoid answering.

‘And you’re accusin’ me of bein’ immature and creatively-challenged? ‘

Oh, you are. You’re old and you spend your LIFE on a blog targeting women. If that’s not immaturity, I don’t what is.

‘Ciao, n i g g a hoe.’

I see now. Anyone who disagrees with you has to be a woman.

*whispers*

This is fun, btw”

Isn’t he comical? Weak @ss n i g g a sitting here arguing with women all day!

I don’t see anything wrong with it. They are “caricatures” DEF: A representation, especially pictorial or literary, in which the subject’s distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.

I didn’t see anything like derogatory, and yes it DOES matter the artist is an INSIDER. it TOTALLY matters!!!

@Nick in ATL

That’s kind of how I viewed it as well… *shrugs shoulders*

YES TINA!! agree 100%

The problem with “caricatures,” satire, and the like is if the intent of the conveyer isn’t clear, they can have the opposite effect of what is intended. The fact that some individuals think these images represent actual women suggests that any implied attempt at humor is lost.

And the race/ethnicity of the artist means little if the images are offensive. There are rappers who routinely refer to black women as “bi*ches” and “h*es,” but does their fellow blackness mean that they absolved from any criticism?

@thrasher

What do you consider a BAD WEAVE?

but thing is, if these poeple were white nobody would care, but because their are some black and Latino ones everyone is like ‘ nooo every black and Latino woman don’t look like that!’

S p i c b i t c h is how we say it where I live.

My 11 year old is a far better artist then the person who made this tacky crap where is the art.

@Sydney

“we have a generation of young girls growing up who need to have proper direction and a strong sense of self and confidence.”
_________________________________________

I agree!

@Ms Brilly

I didn’t say all women carry themselves like wh.or.es and yes I have been to New York. I have attended plenty of events in NY to see that there are a good number of young women who carry themselves far from conservative. I am not putting down every young woman but there is an issue with young women who carry themselves like those images in the mural.

I am starting to believe the age of Obama has not only brought out more racism, but also more hyper-sensitivity in minority groups…

The only people who are offended by this are uppity negroes who are always worried about how black people being perceived by whites.

@Caramel

I feel like we’re under more of a microscope now. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that there are suddenly more articles/coverage about black women and blacks as a whole.

I don’t think anyone can deny that there is a public image problem when it comes to our community, and, yes, some of us contribute to it, IMO.

@Stoney

I didn’t “tell” you to do anything. I don’t even know you.

lol

@Caramel

“I’ve been to the caribbean and the people down there are colorful, vivrant people, many of the women dress and act more sexual than the women here in the states.”

But I wonder if the people viewing the mural are cognizant of the artist’s inspiration, or that it was created to reflect Caribbean culture. From my first glance at the photos, I saw a group of women of color dressed provocatively with no context. The location for such a mural is also odd, IMO. As the artist acknowledges, Times Square is a hub for tourists, and I’m unsure how much cultural appreciation a number of them might see in this artistic piece.

“I just think that people need to accept the fact that there are different types of black and minority women in our society and just because the image doesn’t fit you or I, doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit the next woman.”

Of course there are different types of black women in our society. My concern is, there are not enough distinctions made among us — we all tend to be cast with the same broad brush. I think it would be different if this didn’t seem the prevailing depiction of black women in different segments of popular culture.

*didn’t seem to be the prevailing*

@ 100,000

I agree with your post, but most people no nothing about art. So they get offended by it easily. I love the Arts and I have learned to embrace it and express myself through the ARTS!

You keep doing what you do. It’s a gift.

@ Please Stop

I don’t disagree that there are women who dress provacatively in NY (and other places), I only took issue with what you said about the “average” woman. I still believe that the average woman (including the average woman in NY) doesn’t look like that. If you disagree, that’s fine.

@Sydney

‘I think it would be different if this didn’t seem to be the prevailing depiction of black women in different segments of popular culture.’

~~~~~

I can definitely understand your sentiment on that…I just think that after a while people in our race and in others will be nervous or scared to depict us any kind of way for fear that a certain sub-group of people will find something to be offended by. Unless it is blatantly disrespectful and/or wrong, I think we need to find other things to debate…JMO…

@Caramel

“I just think that after a while people in our race and in others will be nervous or scared to depict us any kind of way for fear that a certain sub-group of people will find something to be offended by.”

I don’t see that as necessarily a bad thing. I think some individuals should give more thought to the depictions they present and their greater impact. I also think it’s important to recognize the history of images of black people, and black women, in particular.

@Sydney

Yeah, I just think that artistically and creatively it could be a hinderance to constantly have to be on thin ice about something…it’s one thing for the MSM to have their blatant ignorance, but art should have no boundaries…again, JMO

I wonder who made the decision about its public display…maybe that person should be focused on more so than the artist….

Dahonest.. i hear you and what idiot gets upset on a gossip blog about your opinion , and i know they should have sense enough to knowI SAY WHAT THE SAM HILL I PLEASE AND IF THEY DONT LIKE IT.. DONT READ MY POSTS and if they do and have a problem with it go find the answer to it , because i aint going nowhere till i get good and ready .. and i aint changing my view for nobody not even that tail following sanslore!!

lol @ Rose

Trust me there’s other folks on here scrutinizing everyone’s comments and dissecting it beyond necessity..I don’t get it either, what’s the point of following people’s comments if you always have a problem with them??..it’s so easy to just keep scrolling once you see certain screen names…lol

@Caramel

I think art is open to interpretation and artists — just as writers, playwrights and other members of the creative community — should be receptive to criticism. Not everyone is going to agree on the same vision or perception of reality.

“I wonder who made the decision about its public display…maybe that person should be focused on more so than the artist….”

Good point, and I think it’s fair for questions to be raised regarding the Times Square Alliance’s decision. Years ago, there was a significant to overhaul that area’s image as crime-ridden and a haven for prostitutes, and, honestly, these images could be perceived as a throwback to some, IMHO.

There’s more about the artist, btw, on the Alliance’s website, timessquarenyc.org/about_us/art_ts.html

the painting was poorly executed, that’s my problem with it. looks like a ten year old did it. there are women who represent themselves like the women in the mural and it feels bad to see it for what it is.

@Caramel

You saw a certain person’s list about several people on here? lol

@Sydney

Very good points, and yes artists should always be open to criticism and scrutiny, I think that’s all a part of the artistic process, taking on that responsibility and risk… thanks for the link, I’ll be sure to check it out…

But, Oh Snap, if it’s on west 42nd street, on of the most traversed places in NYC, then I can see why it’s causing an uproar.

@Sydney

Yes, and the funny think is that this very person actually told ME to get a life…I’m like huh? wtf…I’m not on here a.n.a.l.yzing every blogger in the thread…lmao! just plain ridiculous…He’s gotta be very VERY young…lol…

Caramel and Sydney, leave him alone. How dare you do such a thing.

@Maevelove

I love your gravie, that album was one of my favs by A Tribe Called Quest…

@You Owe Everybody An Apology For Your S_h_i_t Ho

Caramel and Sydney, leave him alone. How dare you do such a thing.

~~~~

Lmao! I know, how could I be so foolish!

@You Owe Everybody

You were having too much fun earlier, lol.

@Artofwar

“Stereotypes exist only because for the most part they are true, or they would not be stereotypical to begin with.”

Would this include the stereotypes about black men?

“(Sydney), stop using yourself as a positive exception to every negative stereotype, we all know there are positive exceptions to every stereotype, you are not the only one darling, it’s boring.”

Darling, I have repeatedly stated that there are numerous exceptions to the stereotypes. I just happen to know some of them personally, as I’m sure we all do.

Happy Friday!

Sydney, let’s see how civil this one will be.

‘Lmao! I know, how could I be so foolish!’

LOL, just foolishness, Caramel.

‘You were having too much fun earlier, lol.’

Was it that obvious? LOL

Yes, we all know that not all Latinas & Black women look or act like this, but a lot do. She is just portraying a segment of society, that people know exist, but they don’t want to acknowledge. Nobody wants their “dirty laundry” aired, especially in an area such as the one the mural is located. I bet if this mural was in the hood, nobody would be saying anything.

I love the sistahs for real but why do ya’ll wear that white eyeliner it looks like whiteout.

@You Owe Everybody

We’ll see, lol.

‘I have repeatedly stated that there are numerous exceptions to the stereotypes.’

You usually give exceptions and mention other people, just as every other person on this blog does as well.

I’m off to disturb my girl. Have a nice weekend, people.

STFU

LIL PU$$Y AZZ WHITE MEN
BLACK WH0RE
OR DUMB AZZ NEGRO WITH WHITE UGLY FAT B’TCH

WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?

I LOVE MY BLACK WOMEN!

BLACK LOVE!!!!

Ugh, I think Blacks and Hispanics have become a bit too sensitive. I’m not offended by this, because while it represents a segment of our population, it doesn’t represent me. We should all know that. Most White people don’t get offended about images of trailer park trash and rednecks.
I’ve never worn white eyeliner, long, cheap acrylics, or a nappy weave. I have nothing in common with the women in this mural except for the color of my skin. Why should I automatically take offense? I should be offended every time I turn on BET then, because there are black artists that intentionally portray themselves like this on a daily basis. Or maybe I should be offended every time I drive by the projects and see women like this. A lot of us spend a lot of time being offended, and not much time doing anything about it. We can’t make things like this go away, because women like this exist in poor neighborhoods in every large city. I’m not offended by a piece of art portraying that. I do think it’s sad that more people aren’t actively attempting to portray minorities in a more positive light. Maybe we should figure out ways to do that, instead of being offended by every little thing.

There is nothing wrong with the Murals.

I have seen some of her other works of art and they all are similar in how the women look.

HAHAHAHHAhhhhaa …It’s funny although it hurts to see black folks get upset over this. Are you people blind???? Did you even look at the whole mural or do you just pick and chose? As a black man I don’t see why we as a people have such low self awareness. Why must there be a white character included for it to be fair?? The double standards need to stop. Our community is so quick to jump on the “racism” and “disrespect” bandwagon yet fail to acknowledge the real self destruction that occurs daily in our own homes and communities.
I’m sorry but I can’t take offense to this, all I see is art.

BTW, its always uppity negros who always starting something, but don’t give an interest in nothing but their immediate families. Damn their nephews and nieces.

Those people who say blacks are getting upset need to stop generalizing. I know who I am, our types have the world emulating us and our men.

I AM HIP-HOP!!!

THE PAINTER IS LIKELY FROM MIAMI OR DIRECTLY FROM PUERTO RICO. SHE HATES BLACK WOMEN AND NY LATINAS. THEY AREN’T TREATED WHITE LIKE LATINAS IN TEXAS OR MIAMI. TRUTH BURNS. I GOT I BABY. I KNOW HOW EVIL THINKS. ASK ME ANOTHER ONE?

With the world turning more towards racisim again…why would an artist do this!!! We need more positive images shown whenever possible!!! When our children see images such as this it make them believe that it’s ok to call people names and that certain groups are people are one certain WAY!!! And, we all know this is so not true!!!! God is calling us all home….slowly but for certain, so why continue to make this difficult along the way????

Lets try LOVE & Peace!!!

there’s obviously a source to the inspiration, I get so tired of us acting brand new – as if there aren’t those within our race who don’t purport similar. they aren’t making it up, is all.