MOMA

Jasmine Crockett

February 21, 2019

Last class we visited the MOMA (Museum of Modern Arts) to view the exhibit called, “Private lives, Public Spaces”.  In that exhibit I've witnessed different generations' personalities, cultures and identities that were displayed upon dozens of screens. These home videos were from people all around the world, from different races, culture backgrounds and economic statuses. In the article, “Social Psychology of Identities” written by Judith A. Howard explores interactionism, ethnic identities, identity and language and countless other ways a person can form their identity. I chose to focus on interactionism. Howard states that interactionism is, “ The basic premise of symbolic interaction is that people attach symbolic meaning to objects, behaviors, themselves, and other people, and they develop and transmit these meanings through interaction.” 

The first home video that caught my attention is Thompson Family (1941-1944) the beach video. In the video it shows a small family interacting with one another whether its the mother holding the young child hand while they walk across the sand or standing as if there was a picture being taken. A day out as family shows bonding, introducing the young children to the feeling of sand between and the dangers of the ocean. This interaction shows that parents made time for their family at that time versus today's society who would throw their young kids behind an electronic device. The video being in black and white makes the piece a timeless one. You can not make out the when or where it was created. 

The second video that caught my attention was the Hubley Family ( 1950-1980). It shows young parents spending time with their young children. It seems like the family is getting used to the idea of a video and it is not being a photograph. The Hubley family seems like having family time was very valuable to them. Their interactions came off very genuine and came off very natural for them to show love. It also seems like the family has money. They have a house, a front porch, swing and they were dressed very well. People during that time were lucky to have a home but to have added the porch and swing showed their wealth.

The last video was the first video displayed on the projector of the black family in the 1950s-60s. It shows black people having a house party and dressed very well. It was nice to see that during one of the hardest times to be black in America that they are still able to have fun. I was not surprised to see them having a party in the house with the children because it was probably the safest place to be themselves. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and everyone was interacting with the oldest person to the smallest child.

One of the most popular Museums in New York showcasing these intimate moments of these people lives really shows what this city is really about. NYC is the melting pot of people, cultures, races and identities. People having access to this exhibit, “Private Lives, Public Spaces” can show people that we may all look different and speak different languages but you can relate to one of those videos.