A student art contest at New Hartford Central School in Utica, New York, is under fire for allowing artwork that some have called “racist” to be displayed.
The artwork was reportedly a parody of a cereal ad, which resulted in some raised eyebrows. The pseudo-cereal product is called “Monkey Premium Cereal,” but the bigger problem is that the art features an image of NBA star LeBron James dunking a basketball next to a bowl of cereal. It’s what’s depicted.
The mock ad’s slogan is, “Eat Monkey Premium Cereal and you’ll be able to jump and dunk like LeBron James.”
some parents Contacted Utica radio station WIBX is alarmed and wonders how a school could allow art that combines the word “monkey” with a photo of a famous black athlete to be entered into an art contest and displayed at the school. questioned.
Equating black people with monkeys is a long-standing racist trope, and many parents believe the school did not stop students from using LeBron James’ image in their “Monkey Cereal” artwork. I was shocked.
New Hartford Superintendent Dr. Cosimo Tangora Said The school is investigating the incident and said the student has been contacted. He added that the school “does not reveal specific details about students.”
He also appeared to ignore the incident, saying officials were “using this as a teaching opportunity.”
“Despite our efforts, it is clear that more needs to be done to challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination and raise awareness,” Tangora added.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Hustonor truth social @WarnerToddHuston
