Leslie Ito

Box-Free Generation

Posted by Leslie Ito, Oct 20, 2009 1 comment


Leslie Ito

Asian American.  Female.  18-35.  Los Angeles.  Arts Administrator.

These are the boxes that are supposed to represent me.  These are the boxes that I’m supposed to represent.  In years past, these boxes were used to insure a delicate balance of representation and I realize that in some cases they have helped open doors for me.  Yet on the other hand, the pressure of bearing this representation can be paralyzing, leading me to question, “Are they expecting me to analyze this through a racial lens?”  “Am I properly representing the arts in Los Angeles?“  “Is this how my emerging leader colleagues think about this issue?”  I’m still trying to figure out how to fine my unique voice while shouldering the responsibility of representation.

Life has become more complex than the days of “check box” identity.  A painter is not just a painter, but chances are she is also using performance and new media to communicate her ideas.  It’s not unusual for someone to belong to multiple communities defined by birth, partnership, culture and residency.  As a new generation of arts and cultural leaders, how can we continue to address issues of cultural equity while honoring a new cultural fluidity?

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1 responses for Box-Free Generation

Comments

Erin Hoppe says
October 20, 2009 at 3:31 pm

Labels seem more and more constricting in the 21st century - there are a rare few who fit a label exactly, and I know fewer people who are interested in being labeled. As you note, our selves are so much more than ethnicity or occupation; those are only parts of our whole.
I had the same question about other emerging leaders having the same opinion I do. I had to realize that the (dis)agreement will be along a spectrum then reconcile that I am speaking my mind and experiences and not actually speaking for ALL emerging art leaders. I think we're lucky to have a common thread but such unique and diverse perspectives to help us forge new, strong ground.

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