HONOR THE TREATIES by Eric Becker (2012)
The Barracuda Wall and the Journey to Pine Ridge
Introduction to the Project
- The speaker is at the Barracuda wall on Melrose, waiting for Shepard Fairey to assist in creating a 16-foot mural.
- Initially naive about the realities of poverty, the speaker's journey began with a survey on poverty in America, particularly focusing on Pine Ridge.
Observations of Poverty and Violence
- The speaker discusses witnessing extreme poverty and violence in Pine Ridge, describing it as a "dark world" that many do not see.
- Manderson is highlighted as statistically one of the most violent places, referred to by locals as "murder Ville," indicating pervasive suffering beyond just gang violence.
Challenges in Storytelling
Struggles with Representation
- The speaker reflects on failing to tell the story of Pine Ridge effectively, noting that poor areas are often easy to photograph but difficult to understand deeply.
- Acknowledges that many narratives stop at surface-level aesthetics without exploring historical contexts leading to current conditions.
Choosing a Side
- The realization that journalism must also involve advocacy; choosing to support the Lakota people rather than remaining neutral.
- Emphasizes transforming photojournalism into activism by giving voice directly from those affected rather than through an interpreter.
Art as Activism
Role of Shepard Fairey
- Shepard Fairey is recognized as a significant street artist whose work aims to evoke curiosity and empathy towards issues faced by indigenous peoples.
Emotional Impact of Art
- Discusses how art can emotionally engage audiences and challenge them intellectually regarding social issues, countering societal numbness.
Historical Context and Responsibility
Legacy of Oppression
- Reflecting on how historical injustices lead to current statistics about indigenous suffering; questioning societal responsibility for these ongoing issues.
Call for Action
- Urges honoring treaties and returning land (specifically Black Hills), emphasizing that solutions require active engagement rather than passive observation.
Elevating Indigenous Voices
Importance of Authentic Narratives
- Stresses that success lies in amplifying indigenous voices instead of interpreting their stories through an outsider's lens.
Personal Reflections
- Expresses desire for indigenous communities' stories to be visible independently, allowing them ownership over their narratives.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Reflection on Mount Rushmore
- Shares personal reflections about Mount Rushmore representing cultural appropriation and exploitation of sacred lands like Black Hills.
Ongoing Struggle for Recognition
- Highlights feelings of betrayal regarding treaties and ongoing struggles within indigenous communities against cultural erasure.