Isn't the point of this writing to highlight these issues in a critical sense, not to support them? And I don't agree it's insulting - nor is it anything like the sentiments articulated by the right wing in Treviso - they are much much more dangerous. It's really important to distinguish between fascism and well meaning liberalism. The 'above all where do the chinese go when they die' line may seem trite to you or me, but to Catholics it probably has a lot of meaning. Remember, it's not about the Chinese, it's about perceptions of the Chinese. The text is critical only of the west and names the west's perception of the Chinese as xenophobic. Maybe we read different texts - I simply don't recognize your characterisation of what it's saying.The worst you can accuse this poster of is that it has good intentions but is misguided. I think that when you accuse somebody of insulting you you should try and understand who they are and what their intentions and actions might be. Otherwise you risk grandstanding - basically trying to make yourself look more righteous than anyone else.

I think it is just written for people with an average q.i. (so maake a test: but of course if you take it out of the contyext it could be more difficult) The sense is clear to me. Fabrica is organizing lectures of Chinese artist to help to know better their contemporary culture so to go away from prejudice and fake belief (by the way: do you ever saw a chinese funeral?...)

i've attended chinese funerals when my family members passed away, so i'm not sure what your point is.

yes, i understand that it's using the statements to talk about xenophobia, but the writing presume that we are somehow surrounded by these prejudice and fake beliefs AT Fabrica (and thus the need for the workshops) -- which I'd rather beg to differ. i'd like to believe that we're better than that.

my ancestors migrated from China by way of Catholic missionaries (millions maybe billions of Chinese around the world are of christian faith), so perhaps this struck a personal chord and resulted in strong reaction, but I will happily take my grandstanding position in as much as I have my given Chinese name tattooed on my arm.

That said, I think the Chinese will probably never actually find this offensive, they'd just think we're being so endearing in our curiousities.

I think that puts it into perspective, Andy.. I agree, I think it is well meant liberalism ... I guess, I am used to overly politically correct/sensitive dialogue and maybe this is just another style of stirring up debate.

I have to say my initial reaction to the text was frustration, anger and irritation.. The reason I reacted strongly to the text was the same as Ann's.. ..I was thinking to myself: "What's up with these intensely offensive statements? Are they a necessary way to kick off the year's theme? ".. and "These statements do NOT represent my opinions!"...

Basically, I was thinking that I don't want to feel represented by an institution that starts a rich dialogue with the premise that we are all xenophobic.. ?

To be positive.. the fact that thet text triggered a strong reaction and instigated discussion of race and eurocentricism, means that we were debating + talking. + arguing.. which is always good! ..

And yes, the intentions are very cleary good, I agree. I still feel lucky to be at Fabrica where these interesting workshops are hosted.

Still, to me it seems kind of 'old school' (for lack of a better way of articulating this).. I think this is the way my grandfather (bless him) would approach racial dialogue.. by laying the racial slurs on the table first. .

I think this is the kind of discussion that Bill Maher would happily host!

well, I guess I could be your Grandfather, technically... Who is Bill Maher? I think Ann's point about the assumption behind the text is really interesting - however I'm not sure it assumes we have these prejudices in Fabrica, but that maybe Fabrica is a beacon of non prejudiced thinking and that we are surrounded by nasty racist people. Which is a self aggrandizing fantasy.... and also pretty much the truth. Headline in today's local paper about how the party in local government here - Lega - considers the Catholic Church to be 'red', ie communist.

uh.. oh dear, I meant the description of the workshop (starting to talk about race) reminded me of my grandfather's way.. err not yours!!

Bill Maher is the host of a tv show in the States (which I haven't seen in a long time). He always invites a mixed bunch of politicians/actors/activists etc. who have opposing views to debate about the show's chosen topic.. I don't always agree with his slant.. but he always gets the debaters stirred-up!

hey, i made that poster! hmm, i suppose i'll take 'cutesy' as a compliment.

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