Artists bring awareness to overlooked issues

To the editor:

You are to be commended for the in-depth discussion of academic freedom on the art work dispute at the University of Iowa. Disputes are normal for a democracy, and artists are often misunderstood, as is Serhat Tanyolacar.

My solution is to divide works according to whether they are 'authorized” or 'not authorized.” This is frequently done with biographies. It would help the public understand disputes.

For example, Tanyolacar would be allowed to display his disputed art work in a section of an art gallery set aside for disputed works. He would display his art work in the 'not authorized” section. This would allow discussion and avoid censorship. We'd hear what we don't want to hear.

Artists and writers frequently encounter opposition. Mark Twain's work in the 1800s was censored because of his depiction of blacks. Remember the slave, Jim, in 'Tom Sawyer”? Same of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.” Abraham Lincoln shook hands with the author of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin”, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and he was reported to say, 'So you're the lady who started this great big war.”

One of the reasons people become artists and writers is to bring awareness about issues that are being overlooked. That's why it is a joy to read The Gazette. You bring a community spirit to the Corridor. We see both sides of issues. Thus, Tanyolacar is doing what an artist is deemed to do as a professional.

We need to teach students at our universities to be courageous rather than pander to popularity.

Al Swegle

Cedar Rapids