Race and Other Issues in Louisiana

When discussing my project with people the issue of race and economics is often a topic. I have spoken to people with a variety of views and have considered the subjects of race, ethnicity and racism often.  

My personal feelings about race in general are pretty simple.  Most scientists believe that East Africa is the location of the origin of humans.  Considering the thousands of years of migration to different parts of the globes and the amazing ways that humans adapted to different geographical areas, developing physical traits that helped them survive in those places my conclusion is that humans are nothing less than wonderous creatures.  Our ability to survive and adapt is astounding.

Along with surviving and adapting we have developed languages, cultures and religions along the way.  To place a value judgement on anyone because of the visual and physical adaptations of their ancestors or their religion is unthinkable to me. We should be learning about each other, exploring each others cultures and celebrating what amazing animals we are.  The amazing humans in Louisiana are a major part of my project, some very open and accepting of differences and some not.  I hope to give people who have never traveled around Louisiana an entree into this incredible place and the people who live here. 

When traveling around Louisiana I encounter mostly friendly and open people.  Sometimes people are shy or guarded.  People are less likely to let me record them talking than they are to let me photograph them.  They feel self-conscious about the way their voice sounds recorded.  Because of that it is sometimes difficult to document and record the opinions about politics, racism and other relevant topics that I want to be able to share.  I am still working on it and will eventually collect a wide range of recordings and stories.

Many people came too Louisiana to survive and thrive.  Or their families survived slavery and are still here living and thriving.  I hope that my project will let the people of Louisiana speak for themselves.  Their stories, their hopes, their goals and even their prejudices will be part of the resulting body of artwork.