Town artwork honoring pandemic shop workers criticized for not being "inclusive" enough
Because it primarily represents white people, a mural created as a homage to shop workers who worked through the pandemic has been panned.
The temporary artwork depicted well-known persons who worked at small companies in a "effort to strengthen the area," according to the Driffield Town Council.
The artwork, which was presented earlier this week, depicts 15 different persons that represent local business leaders, restaurant owners, and other figures.
However, users on social media noted that it neglected to depict those with disabilities or from ethnic minorities, and that it "screams welcome to our white town."
Kerrie Woodhouse-Dove, who commented on the council's Facebook page, said that while she appreciated the idea, it should have been "a little more inclusive."
“It really shouts welcome to our white town,” she commented. “Obviously, being a minority is reinforced even more by this, which is a shame.”
“What a really white town,” Cassie Entwistle observed. “You don't have any persons of color?”
The artwork was a "lost opportunity," according to Jessica Jordan.
Others wonder why notable BAME people from the region, such as Curtis Woodhouse, a professional footballer-turned-boxer, were left out.
The panel featured photos of "well-known persons" who work in or own stores in the town center, according to the town council.
“The people pictured run businesses and shops in Middle Street North, Market Place, and Middle Street South, also known as the Northern and Station Quarters,” the council stated in a statement.
The town council and steering committee are working hard to help local companies, and this mural is an attempt to boost the community rather than bring negative attention to it.”
Driffield is a small market town located 23 miles north of Hull in East Yorkshire.
According to the most recent statistics, 12,909 (98.7%) of the 13,080 residents are white.
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