A student art contest at New Hartford Central School in Utica, New York, has sparked controversy due to a piece of art that some are deeming as “racist.”
The artwork in question is a satirical take on cereal advertisements, featuring a fake cereal called “Monkey Premium Cereal.” The issue arises from the inclusion of an image of NBA star LeBron James dunking a basketball next to the cereal bowl.
The mock advertisement’s slogan claims, “You can jump high and dunk like LeBron James if you eat Monkey Premium cereal.”
Concerned parents reached out to Utica radio station WIBX expressing alarm over the use of the term “monkey” in conjunction with a photo of a prominent black athlete in the art contest at the school.
Equating black individuals to monkeys is a deeply ingrained racist stereotype, leading many parents to question why the school allowed the student’s artwork to be displayed without intervention.
New Hartford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cosimo Tangorra stated that the school is investigating the incident and has reached out to the student involved. However, specific details about the student will not be disclosed.
He mentioned that the school sees this as a learning opportunity to address and raise awareness about stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination.
Despite ongoing efforts, Tangorra acknowledged that more work is needed to challenge and combat these harmful beliefs.
