Dear Friends and Supporters,

Each New Year generates excitement of what will become and offers us a blank canvas on which to project our highest hopes and brightest dreams. 2009 is already shaping up to be a year for the history books. Our community has decided on CHANGE with many meanings attached to the declaration. While politicians have used the mantra of change for decades, let us not forget that change is first created by communities and then embraced by the political sphere. Attitudes and beliefs change based on human interaction and understanding (not political agendas). CAFAM exists to facilitate active learning and community engagement with a commitment to creating positive change in our world.

As we inaugurate President Barack Obama and the wind of historic change sweeps our great land, CAFAM examines the role of media images in forming perceptions of Black Americans. Opening on January 25th, Paper Cuts: 200 Years of Black Paper Dolls offers an insightful look at U.S. civil history and evolving cultural attitudes. Curated by collector and researcher, Arabella Grayson, this powerful exhibit probes the role childhood toys play in shaping and reinforcing cultural stereotypes. While nothing illustrates change better than crumbling labels, the deliberate creation of stereotypes by dominant cultural forces deserves some thoughtful analysis.  

A stereotype (from the Greek word stereo + týpos = "solid impression"), by definition, is an oversimplified conception or opinion based on assumptions or false associations. Humans often process information by categorizing people and behaviors. Since few of us fit into neat categories, labels often lead to falsehoods or worst. American journalist Walter Lippmann called a stereotype a "picture in our heads", saying "Whether right or wrong, ...imagination is shaped by the pictures seen...” The “pictures” we see in films, exhibits, news reports, and TV sitcoms create stock characters that are hard to shake without deeper knowledge.

As we know from Hollywood movies (and fairy tales), every storyline needs a villain (INSERT chosen ethnic group here). Most of today’s villains are derived from the Muslim world and especially from Iran. Yet, what do we really know about the country and how do we know it? For most, knowledge of Iran comes from media reports, in large part created by journalists who have a limited understanding of the country and its diverse culture. On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, CAFAM presents a rare and insightful look at Iran today. Opening on January 25th, Exploring the Other: Contemporary Iran through the lens of Iason Athanasiadis offers an alternative view of the country and explores issues of accuracy and bias in news reporting. Iason Athanasiadis, an Oxford graduate and 2008 Nieman Fellow at Harvard, has spent more time than almost any other Western journalist living and working in post-revolutionary Iran. As part of the country’s largest demographic group (today, nearly 70% of Iran’s population is under 30), Iason enjoyed unparalleled access to Iranian society – especially its thriving youth culture. Don’t miss this rare and timely opportunity to learn about contemporary Iran and bring down yet another stereotype.

As Gandhi said, “We need to be the change we wish to see in the world.” CAFAM is doing its part to be a force for common good.

Onward,

Maryna Hrushetska

ABOUT
Our mission, our philosophy, and our view of folk art!

FROM THE DIRECTOR
A message from CAFAMs Executive Director, Maryna Hrushetska.

WHO ARE THE FOLK?
What is the most complete tribute to the human condition? What is folklore and who are the folk?

HISTORY
From an innovative café featuring international omelettes to the CAFAM you know today, read our history here.

STAFF
We don't just promote diversity, we personify it!

BOARD
Presenting our dedicated CAFAM Board of Trustees!

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