This artist fled censorship only to find it in the U.S.

Summary

The script discusses the limitations on free expression in educational institutions, extending from primary schools to universities. Multimedia artist Serhat Tanyolacar, who experienced censorship in Turkey, shares his experiences of having his art censored in American colleges due to its controversial nature. The narrative highlights the challenges artists face in expressing their vision, the bureaucratic hurdles in academia, and the commercialization of universities as brands, which often prioritize image over intellectual freedom and debate.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Educational institutions, including colleges and universities, are restricting free expression and exposure to diverse perspectives, even within the arts.
• 🎨 Artists in mainstream venues like big museums face fewer restrictions on their work compared to those on the margins.
• 📚 The role of an artist is considered a significant responsibility, with the potential to contribute to social change.
• 👨‍🏫 Serhat Tanyolacar, a multimedia artist who experienced censorship in Turkey, has been teaching in American academia since 2009, emphasizing mentorship beyond teaching.
• 🗝️ Tanyolacar's class 'Art and Politics' includes a project on censorship, encouraging students to stand up for their beliefs if they reflect something good.
• 🚫 His artwork 'Death of Innocence' was censored at Polk State College in Florida due to its offensive content, specifically the portrayal of Trump in an orgy scene.
• 🤝 Tanyolacar's experience with censorship at the University of Iowa involved a KKK robe made of newspaper articles about racist events, which was misunderstood and shut down by students.
• 🏛️ Campus activities, including art displays and protests, require approval from university officials, which can stifle expression and dissent.
• 🤔 The need for permission to express controversial ideas on campus reflects a bureaucratic approach that may hinder artistic and intellectual freedom.
• 💼 University administrators are under pressure to maintain the institution's brand, which can lead to the suppression of disruptive or controversial content.
• 🌐 The focus on university branding and fundraising can overshadow the commitment to academic freedom and open discourse, leading to a less diverse range of ideas being presented on campus.
• 🛡️ Historically, concepts of decorum and norms have been used to silence those who challenge the status quo, suggesting a need to reevaluate these standards in the context of free speech.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script regarding educational institutions?

The script discusses the issue of restrictions on free expression and exposure to opposing perspectives in educational institutions, including colleges and universities, even within the art department.

Why does the script mention the situation of artists exhibited in big museums versus those on the margins?

The script contrasts the freedom of expression that artists in big museums enjoy with the challenges faced by those on the margins, suggesting that the latter may face more restrictions and censorship.

What is the role of an artist according to the script?

According to the script, being an artist is a big responsibility and can be a part of social change, implying that artists have the power to influence and reflect societal issues.

Who is Serhat Tanyolacar and what is his background?

Serhat Tanyolacar is a multimedia artist who fled censorship in Turkey and has been teaching at American colleges and universities since 2009.

What is the significance of the class 'Art and Politics' mentioned in the script?

The 'Art and Politics' class is significant as it is where Serhat Tanyolacar discusses and explores the intersection of art and societal issues, including a one-month censorship project.

What artwork by Serhat Tanyolacar is mentioned in the script and why was it controversial?

The artwork 'Death of Innocence' is mentioned as controversial because it depicted a dichotomy between Trump and figures associated with individual rights and freedom of speech, which was deemed offensive and censored.

Why was Serhat Tanyolacar's artwork removed from a faculty show at Polk State?

Serhat Tanyolacar's artwork was removed because it was found to be offensive, specifically on the grounds of morality, although the script questions whose morality was being applied.

What controversy did Serhat Tanyolacar's artwork cause at the University of Iowa?

Serhat Tanyolacar's artwork, a KKK robe made of printed newspaper articles about racist events, was misunderstood by students and led to the display being shut down.

What bureaucratic challenges does the script suggest artists face on campuses?

The script suggests that artists on campuses face bureaucratic challenges such as needing approval from the dean's office for art displays and protests, which can stifle free expression.

How does the script describe the current state of universities in relation to freedom of speech?

The script describes universities as becoming more like brands, with senior administrators focused on fundraising and avoiding negative publicity, which can limit freedom of speech and discourage challenging or controversial content.

What is the script's stance on the concept of decorum and norms in relation to free expression?

The script suggests that while decorum and norms are important, they have historically been used to silence rebellious voices, and it is crucial to recognize this when considering restrictions on free expression.

Outlines

00:00

📘 Artistic Freedom and Censorship in Educational Institutions

The script discusses the limitations on free expression in educational settings, extending beyond primary and high schools to colleges and universities. It highlights the challenges faced by artists, especially those not widely recognized, in expressing their views freely. The narrative introduces multimedia artist Serhat Tanyolacar, who experienced censorship both in Turkey and the U.S., particularly in academic settings. Tanyolacar's dedication to teaching art and politics is exemplified through his class projects that delve into censorship, one of which led to controversy at Polk State College in Florida. His work, 'Death of Innocence,' was censored on moral grounds, sparking discussions on whose morality should dictate artistic expression. The script also references a previous incident at the University of Iowa involving a KKK robe made of newspaper articles about racist events, which was misunderstood and led to the closure of the display. The artist emphasizes the need for permission to express dissenting views on campuses, which he sees as contrary to the spirit of free speech and artistic freedom.

Keywords

💡Educational Marketplace of Ideas

The 'Educational Marketplace of Ideas' refers to the concept that educational institutions should be a forum for the free exchange of diverse and opposing ideas. In the video, it is mentioned that even this marketplace is being restricted, indicating a concern about the suppression of free speech and the diversity of thought in educational settings, including art departments.

💡Free Expression

Free expression is the right to express one's opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or punishment. The script discusses how this right is being curtailed in colleges and universities, suggesting a conflict between the need for open dialogue and the desire to avoid offense or controversy.

💡Censorship

Censorship is the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security. The video script describes instances of censorship in academia, particularly affecting the work of multimedia artist Serhat Tanyolacar, whose art was removed from exhibitions due to being deemed offensive.

💡Artistic Responsibility

Artistic responsibility implies that artists have a duty to contribute positively to society through their work. The script suggests that artists, even when facing censorship, have a role in driving social change and should stand by their beliefs, as exemplified by Serhat Tanyolacar's commitment to his art despite the challenges he faced.

💡Moral

The term 'moral' in the script refers to principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. It is mentioned in the context of the censorship of Serhat's artwork, raising questions about whose moral standards are being applied and whether they are justifiably used to restrict artistic expression.

💡Controversy

Controversy denotes a dispute or disagreement, especially one that is protracted or contentious. The script describes how Serhat's art pieces have been sources of controversy, leading to their removal from exhibitions and highlighting the tension between artistic freedom and societal norms.

💡Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is the belief that scholars should have the liberty to teach, research, and publish ideas without censorship or fear of retaliation. The video discusses the limitations placed on this freedom, particularly in the context of the censorship of Serhat's work, which challenges the traditional boundaries of what can be expressed in an academic setting.

💡Brand

In the context of the video, 'brand' refers to the public image and reputation of a university. It is suggested that universities are becoming increasingly concerned with maintaining a positive brand image, which can lead to the suppression of ideas that might cause disruption or negative publicity.

💡Bureaucratization

Bureaucratization is the process by which an organization becomes more bureaucratic, often characterized by excessive rules and regulations. The script implies that the bureaucratization of universities is limiting academic freedom and the open exchange of ideas, as decisions are driven by administrative processes rather than intellectual exploration.

💡Decorum and Norms

Decorum and norms refer to the socially acceptable standards of behavior or the unwritten rules governing conduct. The video script suggests that these concepts are being used to suppress dissenting voices and maintain a certain level of conformity, which can stifle the叛逆 and creativity necessary for a vibrant intellectual environment.

💡Rebellion

Rebellion is the act of resisting or defying authority, control, or convention. The script implies that rebellion, particularly through art, is an important aspect of challenging the status quo and pushing for social change, even though it may be met with censorship or disapproval.

Highlights

Educational marketplace of ideas faces restrictions beyond primary and high schools, extending to colleges and universities.

Free expression and exposure to opposing perspectives are being restricted even in art departments.

Artists in big museums have more freedom to exhibit their work compared to those on the margins.

Artists have a significant responsibility and can contribute to social change.

Multimedia artist Serhat Tanyolacar experienced censorship in Turkey and has taught in American colleges since 2009.

In academia, the role extends beyond teaching to mentorship and guiding students in controversial topics such as art and politics.

Serhat's one-month censorship project in his class aims to provoke thought and discussion on the subject.

Artists should stand by their beliefs, even if they may offend others.

Serhat's artwork 'Death of Innocence' faced censorship at Polk State College due to its controversial content.

Censorship of 'Death of Innocence' was based on morality, raising questions about whose morality is being enforced.

A previous artwork by Serhat involving a KKK robe made from newspaper articles on racist events was misunderstood and shut down.

Campus activities, including art displays and protests, require approval from university authorities, which can stifle expression.

Serhat's work that brings controversial subjects like the KKK to campus can challenge the university's ability to handle such issues.

Encouraging experimentation and making mistakes is an important part of the artistic process.

There is a shared disappointment in the commitment to freedom of speech on U.S. campuses and a belief that it could be improved.

Campus bureaucratization and the focus on university branding can hinder the expression of diverse and challenging ideas.

University administrators face pressures to maintain a positive brand image, which can conflict with the encouragement of disruptive ideas.

There is a need to balance the concept of decorum and norms with the historical use of these concepts to silence rebellious voices.

Transcripts

Limits on this educational marketplace of ideas

are not confined to primary schools and high schools.

Colleges and universities have been restricting free expression

and exposure to opposing perspectives, even in the art department.

If you're an artist exhibited in a big museum, you're going to be fine,

you can show whatever you wish.

But if you're kind of on the margins, that creates a problem.

I think being an artist is a big, big, big responsibility itself.

We can be a part of a social change.

Multimedia artist Serhat Tanyolacar fled censorship in Turkey.

He has taught at American colleges and

universities since 2009.

In academia, your duty is mostly to teach beyond teaching,

you know, mentorship.

One of my classes is art and politics.

Specifically, I have a one month of censorship project.

One way or another, you will most likely offend someone

else. If you believe in something,

and that something really reflects something

good, then fight for it.

So, this was the piece which put me in trouble.

In 2018, while teaching at Polk State College in Florida,

Serhat created a work called Death of Innocence.

There's a dichotomy, you know, the left is Trump

in orgy scene, massive orgy scene, and the right is

people who wrote or who used to sing or who used to make

art about individual rights, freedom, freedom of speech,

liberty, and of love.

That work was removed from a faculty show at Polk State

because it was found to be offensive.

It was only my artwork which was censored, the Trump work.

The work was censored based on morality. But whose morality?

Four years earlier, another of Serhat's artworks

had caused controversy at the University of Iowa.

I made this KKK robe of printed newspaper articles

all about past and current racist events.

It starts with the Tulsa race riot,

and the last incident was the Holocaust Museum shooting.

Because it was misunderstood by students, they shut down the display.

To do anything on campus, you have to go to the dean's office.

You have to get approval from them first.

You wanted a reaction, it got a reaction.

You have to get permission in order to have an art display.

You have to get permission to have a protest,

which just doesn't sound right to people.

You can fight the machine, but you have to

get the machine’s agreement first

before you can rage against it.

You can discuss something nicely in the classroom,

but when you have a work like Serhat’s that brings the KKK

on your college campus to show the violence

or show the artist's vision of the moral corruption of the

Trump administration, then they don't know how to deal with it.

Before focusing on the final product, make mistakes

and figure out, you know, experiment.

Serhat’s disappointment with the commitment of freedom of speech

in the U.S. and on campus is something

that I very much share. I think it could be better.

I think it should be better.

I think it would be better in a lot of ways

if campuses were less bureaucratized.

Universities are turning into brands.

If people are causing disruption and are making people angry,

that's not good for the brand.

Senior administrators, deans, and presidents, and provosts’

main job these days, unfortunately, is to raise money

and ward off negative publicity.

Everything does depend on brand. Which students decide

to go to which school, which donors give to which university.

There's all these pressures on university administrators

to think in that way, and very little incentive

to think in a different way, which is,

we're not about one thing. We're about lots of different things,

and some of those things are going to be stuff

that many of us feel very uncomfortable about.

We certainly can have a concept of decorum

and a concept of norms, but I think it's really important to recognize

that those sorts of concepts of decorum and norms

have historically been used to shut up people who are rebellious.