Puppet Display and Censorship of Art

I was able to make a public statement at the Council committee meeting today. Scroll down to see my statement. Read the image below to get some background. There was a great turnout in support of the puppets, and many Jewish comrades who do not support Israel-U.S. policy against Palestine spoke — many more than those speakers from ADL and other pro-Israel groups. Thank you!

Here is my statement:

My name is Joyce Goldenstern. I have been a resident for decades in Chicago where I have taught, voted, and lived, supporting the arts through participation, patronage, and by paying property taxes. I’ve lived in various neighborhoods, but currently live in Senior Housing in North Park. I help organize readings at Albany Park Library. For many years, I was an architecture docent who included the Chicago Cultural Center on my tours. I am a patron of the Cultural Center, and as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America which fights for workers to enjoy both bread and roses, I support the Cultural Center’s mission to provide public art free for all to view and to express themselves. I assume that when art that is in an exhibit is chosen and displayed, it passes a quality and relevance process determined by a respected curator selected for their knowledge and expertise and inclusivity, and whose vision should be respected. The displacement of Palestinians is an ongoing tragedy that has been protested worldwide and, of relevance here, specifically in Chicago. Our mayor broke a tie that made Chicago the largest city in the United States to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The protests at the DNC, which was held in Chicago this past summer, brought thousands to the street in defense of the Palestinians. Hence, historical events in this regard happened in Chicago and should be recorded through art and print, not erased and canceled. Those of us in Chicago who are outraged with the United States government for funding a genocide and who have spent many hours protesting it should be allowed to tell our story by restoring the puppets and the original display with its printed context as a whole. Are those trying to cancel our story jealous that their point of view has not inspired any puppets or any art, let alone impressive, organized weekly demonstrations of protest? These white-collar hecklers are so very uninspiring – they do not create, they only censor! If I am wrong, if they have created some puppets that tell a worthy story, then let them advocate for their inclusion with accurate context in the exhibit, but not for our exclusion.