Our country — and the world — is talking about race in deep ways that we never have before. I lived through the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s, and while the movement brought us far in understanding and change, it is nothing like what we are learning now. We have a very long way to go yet, politically and culturally. But on the state level and soon on the national level, we are passing legislation for change. Institutions are making positive decisions such as removing racist symbols, statues, flags and practices. As a people, we are talking. These are good steps. They need to continue, along with protests, for a long time before we are done.
These drawings were done in the last week as I thought about what has been going on. The murder of George Floyd is only the latest of many such horrible deaths at the hands of police; I drew about the pain of losing a brother, the children about whom we have to worry, the protests of blacks and whites. The drawing below is about the burden of racism that our country unfairly puts on black citizens, a burden that I, a white person, do not have to carry, but should.
Every day, I draw a different image live on Instagram and Twitter and talk about what I sense is going on, what the issues are, how I am impacted personally and dialogue with those who join me.
Drawings are about communication, emotion and the sharing of ideas.
I’m deeply impressed with this. Thank you. Right now, I’m working on a conference to promote socially-conscious comedy, and I’d hoped to find illustrators and other visual artists who are getting important messages out, in a way that goes beyond stereotypes and speaks truth to power. Your work and this article really is in line with this vision. And I think that’s vital to our health and future. Comedy has such power, but historically, it also has taken swipes at LBGTQ+, or the obese, or women, or ethnic minorities. I think it’s possible to be funny and not trample the weak and victimized. I grew up watching “All In The Family.” I hope to devote my retirement (I was a performing arts/journalism teacher for 30+ years) gathering people who share my hopes and concerns. Keep fighting the good fight, Liza. I hope you’ll contact me. Or, perhaps I’ll see you at the Erma Conference in a week. I was one of the honorable mentions for the human interest humor contest, and also was selected for the Stevie Award for Humor Writing (at the Erma Workshop). 🙂
I totally agree! I have spoken at Erma, and this year live-drew it. Good luck with your conference! If you want to be in touch, please email me. liza@lizadonnelly.com best, Liza