6/24/15 Ink, watercolor |
When I first saw media photos of a freshly rainbow-painted
crosswalk yesterday, I assumed it was a temporary decoration for Pride Week.
But it turns out that the 11 rainbow crosswalks in the Capitol Hill
neighborhood are permanent, according to The Seattle Times.
Fabric banners and other rainbows are commonly seen on
Capitol Hill, but knowing that these crosswalks were a permanent investment by
the city gives them greater meaning. Sketching near the intersection of East
Pike Street and 11th Avenue, I felt proud of Seattle for displaying
these bold rainbows in the street.
Less than a week ago nine people were murdered in Charleston for being black. I would like to believe
that Seattle is a safe place for people of all colors, beliefs and sexual
orientations. Given that the particular intersections were chosen for these
crosswalks because they had been the sites of violence against people based on
their sexual orientation, I’m not sure how much confidence I have in feeling
that way. Still, the crosswalks are a symbol of where we stand as a community.
In the wake of the Charleston murders, the controversy rages
on about whether the Confederate flag should be removed from the South Carolina state capitol. Many people feel strongly
that the flag represents their southern heritage; others point out
that that heritage includes slavery and racism.
Symbols do matter.
What a great idea for the rainbow crosswalks, but sad that they are a symbol of past violence. It is a shame that people just can't live with people without looking at race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Nice sketch of the crosswalk...may it remind everyone that difference and uniqueness is good!
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