ARH2000 Harn paper - Grade: A PDF

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Mandatory Essay on the Harn...

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Alex Gerhardt ARH2000 Spring 18

Harn Diversity Project

The University of Florida is an extremely diverse educational environment that is home to the brightest students in Florida and beyond. Despite most of the population consisting of Caucasians and Hispanics, there are several ways that the University of Florida strives to include ethnic minorities. Not only does the University of Florida make the college transition easier by offering an array of clubs and organizations for people of specific races to gather together, but their heritage and culture is payed homage at the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art. The Harn has a wide variety of artwork ranging all the way from American slavery to Buddhist idols. One of the most influential and diverse collection’s in the Harn is the Indian Exhibition in the Asian Collection. The Indian student population is well represented by this exhibition which consists primarily of intricate sculptures. Alumni’s express their love for Indian culture by donating exquisite works of ancient art. A primary donor for the Indian collection in the Harn is Michael Singer, author of the best-selling book The Untethered Soul. Since graduating from the University of Florida in 1971, Singer has gone on to open his own meditation/yoga studio, write three best selling books, and even appear on Opera’s “Super Soul Sunday” (Michael Singer). Regardless of his own infatuation for Indian art, he selflessly donated several pieces from his personal collection to the Harn for students to grow in their appreciation of Indian culture. The aim toward diversity and acceptance of all people regardless of race, religion, color, creed and

sexual orientation has allowed the University of Florida to grow in becoming a more diverse campus. The Indian collection in the Harn encourages students and local Gainesville residents to gain a greater understanding of the Indian culture. By exposing them to beautiful works of art that embody the Indian culture, viewers can admire people that are very different from them. The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art encourages diversity and equality by opening the eyes of visitors to the realities of dissimilar people. India is a country that is known for having an extremely rich culture because of the many influences that have played a part in its development. The warm appeal of tradition and celebration makes India a country that is extremely attractive to tourists. The country’s polytheistic religions, festivals, food, art, crafts, music, and other traditions are reflected in its art. The famous British playwright George Bernard Shaw was quite fond of the authenticity of the Indian culture and is quoted saying “The Indian way of life provides the vision of the natural, real way of life. We veil ourselves with unnatural masks. On the face of India are the tender expressions which carry the mark of the Creator's hand" (Culture of India). The natural way of life that Shaw describes can be seen in the 13th century Indian sculpture, Dancing Ganesh. This sculpture of the divine figure Ganesh was crafted out of black stone in 13th century India. Ganesh is the elephant headed son of Hindu god Shiva and Parvati. Ganesh is known “Dancing Ganesh”, Indian People (13th CE), Artist unknown

for being a pot-bellied jolly god that solves problems and

blesses his people (Asian Collection). His spirit is reflected by the attitude of the Indian culture in the Gainesville community. One can witness this aspect of Indian culture in the Plaza of the

Americas during Krishna lunch where people gather daily to celebrate life through joyful chanting, melodic music, and warm smiles. This sculpture metaphorically represents life for Indian people. The sculptor transformed the ruggedness of the stone to a plump and dancing deity, thus representing the joy that people find in life through community and love despite the harshness of life. Dancing Ganesh is very relevant to the Indian culture in Gainesville because of his persona that friendship and community make the strain and angst of life worth living. A great representation of the Indian culture in Gainesville is this sculpture of the Buddha. When people of different cultural backgrounds arrive in Gainesville, a lot of what they believe is tested and refined due to the influence of friends and professors. Whether it’s the professor that plays the devil’s advocate by asking questions to shake one’s belief system or a friend explaining their reasoning behind a certain religion, everyone is exposed to an array of beliefs and worldviews at university. Many college students find that “Seated Buddha”, Gandhara People (4th CE), Artist unknown

their beliefs are either strengthened or changed due to this type of

exposure. The Buddha is an archetypal example of having an open mind and following what one truly believes rather than following whatever was instilled on oneself from an early age. Many people grow up a certain religion but never truly experience faith because of a lack of personal exploration and devotion. It is essential for oneself to understand what one believes and why they believe it rather than blindly accepting the belief system of their parents or community. When Siddhartha Gautama experienced the reality of suffering in the world he decided to find truth in the universe rather than living his life of comfort provided for him by the caste system. He went against the grain and set forth on a path of personal faith and understanding. The Buddha

depicted in the Harn is a great reminder for students to pursue their personal beliefs with intention instead of blind acceptance. To live a life of meaning, one must find truth for themselves or else they will walk a path without direction and guidance. The beauty of diversity is that is propels discussion towards deeper understanding of truth and life. Questioning what one believes or having doubts about a specific area of one’s belief system is extremely beneficial because it causes temporary discomfort to allow for growth and change. In the required class Good Life, students are propelled to explore different world views and belief systems. Through discussion posts and in class discussions, students have the opportunity to demonstrate their personal view on different manners. Good Life is an excellent tool at the University of Florida to get freshman to open their mind toward diversity and understand the importance of accepting others for who they are. Society is constantly changing due to an evolving moral understanding of human equality. Just a hundred years ago in America, people of opposing colors used separate bathrooms, water fountains, and restaurants. Flawed beliefs must be overthrown with truth, and to ignore truth is to live in tyranny. Revolution becomes necessary when moral law is violated in society. In the weathered sandstone sculpture Uma-Mahesvara, the Hindu gods Shiva and “Uma-Mahesvara”, Indian People (4th CE), Artist unknown

Uma are displayed in a loving embrace. Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate who is responsible for the destruction of the

universe to re-create it (Religions - Hinduism: Shiva). Without the force of destruction in the universe, there is no room for growth and improvement. For example, if a fat man won’t destroy his eating habits then he will never lose weight and improve his health. Sacrificial destruction in

society is necessary for positive development. The destruction of racism and inequality in America has led to an abundance of growth. The University of Florida has developed through the destruction of racial and gender segregation. The advancement of diversity on campus has allowed the University to produce students that are well rounded and capable of success in the outside world. The virtue of sacrificial development is seen at the University of Florida by the student run organizations that are backed by a core value or opinion. For example, there is a club for students that identify with a sexuality that opposes the moral beliefs of conservative Americans. By allowing students to gather over any topic, issue, or subject they desire, they can feel support and comfort from the group they joined. Rather than living in isolation due to fear of criticism, they can have comfort in knowing that they are not alone. This is a huge step forward for helping students of different backgrounds adjust to the intimidating college experience. The destruction of discrimination and judgement is necessary to move the world toward peace and love, and the University of Florida has done an excellent job in motivating students toward peace and love. Helping others is a crucial aspect in developing healthy relationships, and it is more beneficial to serve rather than to be served. When aiding someone, it causes them to want to help you in return. This is the basis of love that friendships are built upon. This copper alloy statue of the Hindu god Garuda is a symbol of service in the Indian culture. Garuda is the mount in which the god Vishnu rides upon in Hindu mythology (Garuda). He is the spiritual “Garuda”, Tamil Nadu People (17th CE), Artist unknown

embodiment of adoration and selfless service. To build a

diverse community, people must look past the outer appearance of others and commit to helping others. The Indian Graduate Students’ Association (ISGA) at the University of Florida serves as a non-profit organization to meet the needs and concerns of Indian graduate students and aid them in forming their identity in the international community on campus (Indian Graduate Students' Association at University of Florida). Indian students reflect the virtue of service that Garuda embodies by building Indian students that contribute to the Gainesville community. The ISGA serves as a home away from home for Indian students to aid them in their search for fulfillment in their career and personal life. Service is an integral area of life that provides a sense of usefulness and importance. Having organizations on campus that help foreign students adjust to the American way of life is extremely beneficial. Playing with others is a great way to form friendships and escape from the strenuous reality of life. Elephant on Wheels represents the Indian culture’s combination of art and entertainment. The wooden figurine is decorated in an elaborate pattern that reflects an Elephant that would be used for transportation by civilians and tourists. People have been playing together for thousands of years with different toys and games. The way people entertain themselves has “Elephant on Wheels”, Indian People (20th CE), Artist unknown

changed immensely due to electronics and virtualization,

but people still frequently bond over outdoor activities. One can witness a diverse audience of University of Florida students bonding together over a slack line during Krishna lunch. The great thing about group activities, sports, or any form of entertainment is that it takes the focus off each other and places it on a common goal. For example, when two strangers are placed on the

same team for spike ball, they will form a bond over competing together to win the game. Rather than judging each other for their outside appearance, they would accept each other because their internal critic wouldn’t be focused on others. Group entertainment is a key element to forming prosperous diversity on the University of Florida campus. The Indian artwork in the Harn serves the University of Florida campus by reminding students to value and not judge people with different ethnicities. Each piece that is displayed has a deeper meaning behind it when critically analyzed and researched. Diversity is an essential aspect of the University of Florida campus and is encouraged by the Indian collection in the Harn. The Indian culture is one to be admired for its joyful spirit, aim toward friendship, value of sacrifice, attitude of selfless service, and enjoyment of company through various forms of entertainment. These elements of Indian culture can be witnessed on the University of Florida campus and have make a positive impact on advancing diversity. At the end of the day, regardless of skin color, sexuality, or beliefs, we are all just people trying to figure out how to live in this world we were thrown into. When accepting and promoting diversity, one is showing love and spreading peace. They are putting aside their personal opinions to give the respect that other human beings deserve. According to science, we all come from the same ancestors and are made from the same DNA with slight variations. Equality and diversity go hand in hand and are a message that must be spread to better the world.

Works Cited “Asian Collection.” Collections | Harn Museum of Art, www.harn.ufl.edu/collections. “Culture of India.” Culture of India - Find All about Indian Culture, www.mapsofindia.com/culture/. “Garuda.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 15 Feb. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/Garuda. “Indian Graduate Students' Association at University of Florida.” GroupSpaces, groupspaces.com/igsa-uf/. “Michael Singer.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/michael-singer. “Religions - Hinduism: Shiva.” BBC, BBC, 24 Aug. 2009, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/shiva.shtml....