1,000s tell mayor: Stop censoring art
As the "Sensation" exhibit opened at the Brooklyn Museum of
Art, thousands of New Yorkers rallied to defend the museum from
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's attack on artistic freedom. On Oct. 1
demonstrators massed in front of the museum. Many carried
placards likening Giuliani to Adolf Hitler. Speakers included
the Rev. Herbert Daughtry of the House of the Lord Church in
Brooklyn, Rep. Major Owens and City Councilmember Christine
Quinn. Many artists and actors--including Susan Sarandon and
former National Endowment for the Arts Chairperson Jane
Alexander--also spoke.
The next day, thousands lined up around the block to see the
show, including the painting by African-British artist Chris
Ofili that is the target of Giuliani's racist offensive. Later,
another demonstration--this one by candlelight--defended the
museum.
A few who agree with the mayor's move to cut off the
museum's funding also showed up. Some of them yelled
anti-Semitic slurs at New York Civil Liberties Union head
Norman Siegel, who led the pro-museum demonstrations. Others on
Giuliani's side lofted signs with slogans including "Hitler Was
Right When He Got Rid of Degenerate Art."
--Shelley Ettinger
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