Survey of racial identity, feelings at MCASD.

People walk past the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's gallery at America Plaza.
People walk past the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s building at America Plaza.

I recently noticed new thought-provoking graphics in the windows of the MCASD building at America Plaza.

Last year, a survey was taken of 100 people passing through America Plaza. Questions were asked about racial and ethnic identity. Today an outdoor display at downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego expands on the results and explores the complicated subject.

The window graphics are designed to catch the eye and draw visitors into the nearby gallery.

This project was produced by artists with students from local colleges in San Diego and Tijuana who participated in Transnational Seminar 1, lead by Collective Magpie.

On April 20th, 100 pedestrians took a survey here in America Plaza about race and ethnicity. Self-classification data was compiled.
On April 20th, 100 pedestrians took a survey here in America Plaza about race and ethnicity. Self-classification data was compiled.
Of the 100 surveyed, 83 answered mixed race; 14 white people; 3 people of color.
Of the 100 surveyed, 83 answered mixed race; 14 white people; 3 people of color.
Feelings about racial identity can differ from person to person.
Feelings about racial identity can differ from person to person.
One of two panels containing some of the racial or ethnic classifications that one might choose.
One of two panels containing some of the racial and ethnic categories that a person might choose.
A splash of words, asking passersby what the ultimate definition of race is.
A splash of words, asking people walking down Kettner Boulevard what the ultimate definition of race is…
People might feel differently about their racial identity depending on a range of factors and circumstances.
People might feel differently about their racial identity depending on a range of factors and circumstances, from their appearance…to their dreams…to their immediate environment…to the way they live.
Thought-provoking graphics in the windows of MCASD's downtown gallery at America Plaza.
Thought-provoking graphics concerning race in the windows of MCASD’s building at America Plaza.

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Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

5 thoughts on “Survey of racial identity, feelings at MCASD.”

  2. I’m fascinated by the panel asking people to pick the degree to which they identify with two different cultures — fascinated because they are offered 10 ways to be Latin, and exactly one way to be white. And yes, the disproportion would be just as unfortunate, the other way around.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. San Diego is a melting pot. Many who work here live in Mexico, and many people have family in both countries. We have the world’s busiest border crossing. The two cultures get mixed together. Spanglish is spoken here! For many with ties south of the border, it might be hard to choose a specific identity.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Of course! But “White” people also come from many sources and have quite different cultures & even appearance (e.g. Italian vs Norwegian) … Ditto within different parts of Africa, or parts of China … “White” deserves the same respect for is nuances as do all other ethnicities.

        Liked by 1 person

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