Many of the artists interviewed said they felt that now was not the time to emphasize American greatness, as Rockwell did, but rather to caution people about the risks of complacency. They said they created the posters because they loved their country — about two-thirds of the 60 are American — but felt that their fellow citizens needed to wake up, to break free from anxiety and a habit of looking away.
In the mall at least, the artists’ instincts seemed to be borne out. In an hour and a half, more than 100 people walked by the exhibit. Only 8 stopped to look.
I would have walked by, too.
You know, every formation in basic training ended with our company reciting "Duty! Honor! Country! Freedom!" That's how we expressed love of country--not by making crappy posters mocking freedom.
So like many things that our Earnest American community fervently believes, I care little about their concerns. And I strongly disagree about who needs to wake up.
It's not that I don't care. I just don't care about them.
