My my first reaction to this piece was “this is really cute and inclusive of all types of diversity.”
My second reaction, “Why are the visibly disabled in the background of the image?” It’s almost as if the artist was purposely portraying them as “in” the group but still not “a part” of the group. Why must people with disability, forever be on the fringes of society?
My third reaction, was to learn more about this image and see if I could deduce the thought process behind the creation of this art.
The art was created by a 15 year old, 10th grader from Connecticut, who won this year’s Doodle 4 Google competition. She states, “I wanted to draw something that I hoped would show that we can all get along well, and that it’s possible for us to be happy with each other.”
My fourth and final reaction, considering her age… I do not hold anything against her. She was obviously trying to create something from the goodwill of her heart. Also, if I was a person, who had a brother with special needs, or if I didn’t on occasion require a mobility device… perhaps, I too wouldn’t find this image strikingly off. It’s just unfortunate where she placed the visibly disable in her art, and how they seem to be leaning in and reaching towards the group, while the individual using the wheelchair, and the individual using the cane are not being embraced by the others.
I would love to hear your opinions. Just please, be kind. I will delete comments if they seem to be bullying in anyways towards a 15 year old doing her best.
Always Spooning 