When Stereotypes Collide

Most of what I saw at the Apple Pie exhibit surprised me. Like most Americans, I know my country is viewed negatively, but such feelings usually come from across the ocean. I didn't expect to encounter so many works of art pointing out the hubristic horrors of America in one little room. At least it was fun.

Out of all the art, however, Greta Pratt's Man Eating Turkey Leg, Disney World, Florida got me thinking about more than "what is that?" or "ooh, that's scary/pretty/wha-huh?"



When I saw it, I remembered all of those irritating, nerve-grating readings we had where cultures collided. Here, we have two stereotypes--chubby, pasty, turkey-munching white guy and the typical representation of an Indian--within the same space, chilling, each slightly turned toward the other. It was kind of ironic. My culture is so quick to point fingers and differentiate, but sometimes we need to realize that fingers may point right back.