Musée D’Orsay succumbs to identity politics, compromising art quality.
The Assault on Quality in Intellectual and Creative Work
The far-left assault on the quality of intellectual and creative work is frequently acknowledged in the language of the diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) dogma that serves as the movement’s philosophy.
For example, on many campuses, including the one where I work, the term “inclusive excellence” is used to express commitment to academic achievement. However, this term distorts the notion of excellence, which implies something distinguished in quality from the less than excellent. Under DEI logic, a hierarchical ranking system is seen as non-inclusive. In practice, “inclusive excellence” requires changing the old standard of excellence to ensure diversity among the newly defined “excellent,” some of whom may not be excellent.
Sometimes the leftist assault on quality brazenly attacks standards by just inserting obviously inferior work in company with works of much higher quality.
During a trip to France last year, I encountered a depressing example of this in the world of art. In the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, I came across a kitschy painting by Kehinde Wiley, the same artist who created the bizarre rendering of President Barack Obama. This gigantic painting of a young black man in jeans and a yellow hoodie occupied a prominent space in the museum. Its size practically guaranteed it would be unavoidable for any visitor.
The Artist’s Obama-Like Biography
Kehinde Wiley’s biography is similar to that of Barack Obama. His father is a Nigerian who came to the U.S. and had six children with an African-American woman before abandoning the family. Wiley was raised by his single mother in Los Angeles.
Narrowness of Aesthetic Range
When looking at a collection of Wiley’s paintings, the monotony of his work stands out. Virtually every subject is black and young, often wearing loud urban streetwear. The narrowness of Wiley’s aesthetic range and interests is truly remarkable.
Art as a Message on Violence Today
The display of Wiley’s painting in the Musée d’Orsay was an effort to address racial justice concerns. However, the stark contrast between Wiley’s work and a beautiful marble sculpture by Auguste Clésinger with the same title highlights the difference in artistic quality. Wiley’s distortion of the original and his focus on violence in contemporary society are questionable artistic choices.
Capitulation to the Woke
The inclusion of Wiley’s painting in the Musée d’Orsay is a travesty. It diminishes the artistic level of the museum and reflects the leveling that is happening among administrators. This capitulation to leftist stupidity is a step towards the West’s defeat in defending its own aesthetic heritage.
How does the assault on quality in intellectual and creative work impact trust in institutions and the ability to distinguish between genuine achievements and token diversity hires
Dards of excellence in the name of diversity. One recent example of this is the push for “affirmative action” in the hiring and promotion of faculty. While the intention behind affirmative action is to increase diversity within academic institutions, it often comes at the expense of merit and qualifications.
Under the guise of promoting diversity, universities are pressured to prioritize race, gender, and other identity factors over qualifications and expertise. This not only undermines the principle of meritocracy, but also diminishes the quality of intellectual and creative work produced within these institutions. When individuals are hired or promoted based on their identity rather than their capabilities, it is inevitable that the overall standards of excellence will be compromised.
Furthermore, the far-left ideology that underpins the assault on quality also promotes the idea that all forms of knowledge and creativity are equally valid and valuable. This relativistic approach disregards the importance of expertise and deep knowledge in specific fields. It suggests that anyone can be an expert in any area, simply by virtue of their perspective or lived experience. This not only undermines the years of rigorous study and training that experts undergo, but also devalues the pursuit of excellence in intellectual and creative work.
The assault on quality extends beyond academia and permeates various sectors of society. In the media and entertainment industry, for example, there is a growing trend of prioritizing representation and diversity over the quality of content. While it is important to have diverse voices and perspectives, it should not come at the expense of artistic integrity or the ability to produce high-quality work.
The consequences of this assault on quality are far-reaching. It erodes trust in institutions and undermines the credibility of intellectual and creative endeavors. When excellence is no longer the primary criterion for success, it becomes difficult to distinguish between genuine achievements and token diversity hires. This ultimately hampers progress and innovation, as true excellence is not rewarded but overshadowed by identity politics.
In order to combat this assault on quality, it is crucial to uphold the principles of meritocracy and excellence. Hiring and promotion decisions should be based on qualifications, expertise, and proven track records, rather than on identity factors. Institutions and organizations should resist the pressure to prioritize diversity at the expense of quality. It is possible to foster diversity and inclusivity without compromising the pursuit of excellence.
Additionally, it is essential to reassert the importance of expertise and deep knowledge in intellectual and creative work. While perspectives and experiences are valuable, they should not replace the years of dedication and study that experts bring to their fields. Embracing a more balanced approach that values both diverse perspectives and expertise can help maintain and enhance the quality of intellectual and creative endeavors.
The assault on quality in intellectual and creative work is a concerning trend that must be addressed. It is essential that we recognize the importance of excellence and meritocracy in these fields, and actively work to counter the distortion and erosion of these principles. By upholding standards of quality and promoting diversity in a balanced manner, we can ensure that intellectual and creative work continues to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our society.
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