By Richard Hilton
This letter is in response to the letter by Graciella Flores, who criticized the mural on CCSM’s affordable housing building (“Ditch creepy mural,” March 26, Page 4) The project is located at 26th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.
According to the letter writer, the painting or mural on the side of the building depicts a “Caucasian-American” woman... with a “Caucasian-American” man. Ms. Flores states there is a sexual connotation and that the two individuals portrayed do not reflect the “whole culture of Santa Monica.”
The day the letter appeared in the SMDP, I was standing outside the CCSM building. Usually, I don’t do a skin test of a mural, however, the letter prompted me to take a look. The male in the mural could be Caucasian or light-skinned Hispanic. The female is standing, not “swimming,” in the ocean near the tideline. The female’s back is turned, with no front facial recognition. Despite that the female has light reddish-colored hair, today she could represent any race or ethnicity.
My point is that it is a waste of energy to make such an exacting analysis of the outside mural, the paint tones and the position of the male and female. The CCSM building, which is multi-family, offers two-and three-bedroom interior units. Applicants who qualify will be screened, undoubtedly, with intention to diversify the occupancy.
My perception is that certain individuals, similar to the writer, like to preach, or maybe there is a feeling of oppression. Ms. Flores, respectfully, the suggestion I have is to not over-emphasize the outside of the building mural but to look inward, inside, and to be grateful for the low-income families who soon will benefit from this housing.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 28, 2007. Read the original PDF.