The "Visualizing Cultures" Controversy and its Implications | ||
Official CSSA Statement (April 27, 2006) | ||
Dear CSSA Members and Other Members of the Chinese Community Worldwide, Earlier this morning, the MIT Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) had an in-depth discussion with the MIT administration on the issue of the Visualizing Cultures website, specifically the "Throwing Off Asia" unit. This is a scholarly research project, and there is no art exhibition associated with it. Representatives from the President's Office, the MIT News Office, and the research group behind the website were all present. The meeting has resulted in a constructive agreement. The research group recognized the need to contextualize these sensitive materials and pledged to continue a dialogue with CSSA and other groups to address this issue. Professors Dower and Miyagawa have expressed deep regret over the emotional distress caused by some of the imagery and are genuinely sorry that the website has caused pain within the Chinese community. The agreed resolution is as follows: 1. Official statements from both MIT and Professors Dower and Miyagawa, which will be posted as a link off the MIT home page shortly and permanently reside on the MIT News Office website, and distributed to the Chinese community worldwide. 2. Organize a public forum to facilitate a discussion on the use of sensitive imagery. The Committee on Campus Race Relations (CCRR) is currently organizing a panel discussion on visual imagery that is 3. The Visualizing Cultures research team will address how it contextualizes sensitive content by providing appropriate language to prepare users for the graphic material depicted. The research team is looking to CSSA for feedback and future dialogue. As stated previously, CSSA is strongly opposed to any irrational behavior. Any feedback from individuals on this issue is welcome. |
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