F R E E D O M O F S P E E C H

Scrolling at the Martin Luther King promenade in downtown San Diego a few weeks ago (November 2019) I came across a series of sculptures placed in a half circle that spelled out “DREAM” in English and sign language alphabet, which I found as a great example of inclusive design. My attention was then very quickly drawn to a repetition of word ‘no’ boldly written in white on every single podium, as if it was a third language as a part of this piece in a public park.

On first look, to some - perhaps to most- this comes across as vandalism, but to me this was an example of wanting to be a part of a conversation for an individual or group, who may not have any other way otherwise. It may be freedom of speech. I do not know, and perhaps will never find out, who or why they wrote the word ‘no’, which clearly is in opposition of the message of ‘DREAM’. Regardless, it seems as though they saw an opportunity of self-expression for something that was bothersome, dare I say triggering. But with a simple white chalk, another person - maybe even a group of people- became a part of the conversation, however improvisationally or maybe even uninvited. But the importance is that they became a part of the conversation and were able to speak in a way.

The homeless population in this area of San Diego was more evident than other areas, and to me this may have been a part of their dialogue with their fellow humanbeings.