The Arab Society of Princeton (ASP) and other students are vocally objecting to a series of collages featuring brutish depictions of Arabs and Muslims. The students are claiming that the artwork reinforces detrimental images of the Middle East in popular culture and reproduces racial stereotypes.

The exhibit “As the World Turns Then & Now” has been on display at the University since Jan. 23. ASP and other students have filed complaints with the University, and expect a meeting with Wilson School Dean Christina Paxson to discuss their concerns. A public artist reception is also scheduled for March 26.

But before any discussion of removing the art, the administration appears to be making space for preliminary dialogue.

“Although the exhibits often provoke thoughtful debate and discussion, it is not certainly our intention to offend,” said Paxson.

According to the plaque in the exhibit by artist Rhonda Wall, the artwork’s goal is to “weave the chaotic destruction and visual beauty of the world into a tapestry of life and hope.”  Wall did not respond to student newspaper the Daily Princetonian for comment.

But instead, Sami Yaboudi and Sarah Mousa, current and former president of the Arab Society, respectively, wrote an e-mail questioning “whether the most frequented and prominent area of our school of international affairs should promote such a stunning dehumanization of the Middle East.” They said the art equated the “region, culture and religion with barbarity and violence.”

They described the artwork as “image after image of Arab men with bloodied swords, children with rocket launchers and physically mutilated and oppressed women in full burkas,” and added that such portrayals could jeopardize the security of Muslims and Arabs living in the region.

Although some were concerned the University’s reputation could take a hit for the display, others said it is opening up a much needed space for communication.

“You can’t always seek institutional protection,” said Nour Aoude, who is Lebanese.  “Some controversial subjects need to come out, and that’s how you get dialogue.”

Meanwhile, Yaboudi and Mousa are skeptical that real dialogue can take place. They claim that the issue “is not one of free speech.”

“It is easy for those who organized this exhibit from safe and plush offices to cry freedom of speech, but this ‘artwork’ has disastrous consequences for the lives of many in the region,” they said to the Daily Princetonian.

Racial tensions on campuses have often led to questions about censorship and freedom of speech. Currently at the University of California-San Diego, the student government and the student body are embroiled in controversy over the shutting down of all student media outlets following a controversial student TV show that mocked Black History Month.


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