There Is a Silencer on the Gun

Abstract

The interplay between two basic aspects of human behavior is examined: our need to connect with others and our almost instantaneous need to divide others into “us” and “them.” The impact of being perceived as “them”—the stigma and flattening out of identity—is illustrated by inspecting the art of two African American artists: Kara Walker and David Hammons. Fortunately, because of changes in the leadership in many U.S. museums, these and other African American artists are now better able to share their work.

Keywords:

• African American art
• connection
• division
• identity
• intersectionality

Disclosure statement

There is no financial interest or benefit that arises from the direct application of this research.