UNITED STATES “WE ARE NOT THE ENEMY” 
Hate Crimes Against Arabs, Muslims,
 and Those Perceived to be Arab or Muslim after September 11; published by Human Rights Watch November 2002 Volume 14, No . 6 (G)
Website: http://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/usahate/

Specifically Footnote 87 in SECTION V: http://www.hrw.org/legacy/reports/2002/usahate/usa1102-04.htm#TopOfPage

[FOOTNOTE 87] Anti-Muslim hate crimes in the United States increased from twenty-eight during 2000 to 481 during 2001. See “Crime in the United States – 2001,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, retrieved on October 30, 2002, from http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/01cius.htm. Anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hate crimes in Los Angeles County increased from twelve during 2000 to 188 during 2001. See “Compounding Tragedy: The Other Victims of September 11,” Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, p. 12 and 14, retrieved on September 24, 2002, from http://humanrelations.co.la.ca.us/Our_publications/pdf/2001HCR.pdf. Anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hate crimes in Chicago increased from four during 2000 to sixty during 2001. See “Hate Crimes in Chicago: 2001,” Chicago Police Department, p. 13, retrieved on September 24, 2002, from http://www.ci.chi.il.us/CommunityPolicing/Statistics/Reports/HateCrimes/HateCrimes01.pdf.

For more information on the 1700% Project, send us an email: 1700percentproject(at)gmail(dot)com.

I wanted to share some thoughts with you as we reflect on the 9th anniversary of 9/11 attacks. This was something I started writing after 9/11/01 and recently finished as part of my manifesto. Please read and feel free to share with others.

9/11…In moments of crisis, positions become clear.

Islam. The war on terrorism. Racial Profiling. Detainees. The Patriot Act. Suicide Bombers. Nine years ago on September 11, 2001 the attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon were not the only targets. The Muslim body was not only a weapon, it had also become a clear target. I remember a friend of mine saying to me that whatever happens he would have my back. I had never even thought that I would be targeted as a Muslim woman since I did not dress or look like a “typical” Muslim, at least not the stereotypical images shown in the media. That somehow I could pass. That somehow no one would ever mistaken me for Muslim. Part of me was relieved but the other part felt guilty that I could not show more solidarity with my Muslim brothers and sisters who were visibly targeted all over America, shortly after 9/11. I remember other Muslim friends sharing stories of uncles who had suddenly disappeared, of mosques vandalized, social service organizations raided, and of Hijabi Muslim women harassed.  I remember reading in 2003 that hate crimes increased 1700% against anyone “perceived” to be Muslim or Arabs. It’s an unfathomable number but the equation was real. The violence against Muslims and even those perceived as “Muslims” was rooted in bigotry, fear, xenophobia and misinformation.

On 9/11 and every day after, the Muslim body is a target. The Muslim body is in crisis. This is part of my legacy as a Muslim in America living in this global economy. The position is very clear for me. I am a Muslim and now more than ever it was crucial  to take action. Now more than ever it is about standing in solidarity with the Muslim community as much as standing in opposition to all forms of terrorism, racial-profiling, fundamentalism, and oppression — and yes that means even the kind imposed by the U.S. government as much as some “Muslim” nations. My work as a performance artist in which my body is central to the work, is now more than ever an important and distinct choice. Being Muslim has become more than a cultural identity, it is a political statement! My responses have involved greater participation in the Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim communities, an internalized questioning process of a political & spiritual identity, writing poems and stories that add dimension and complexity to the image of the Muslim in America, and using my body to create performances that both question and redefine the image of the Muslim woman. Like a prayer line, my place is to stand shoulder to shoulder with other Muslims, intervening the best way I know how—through art-making.

I am urging friends, family, acquaintances and strangers to view and forward the video “1700% Project: Mistaken for Muslim.” The passion in which I wrote the above statement is what continues to fuel my work and commitment to social justice. The video is a work of art as much as it is an educational tool. The links are below:

Youtube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viQl-p5oyHM
Vimeo Link: http://vimeo.com/11380785
LinkTV / OCON Link: http://www.linktv.org/onechicago/films/view/594
On my website: http://1700percentproject.wordpress.com/video/
Recent story on CNN: http://tinyurl.com/2cts9ka

Peace & Many Blessings. May all the souls taken before their time rest in peace.

Anida Yoeu Ali
artist/writer/agitator
http://www.1700percent.org

Regarding my initial requests, here’s how SAIC has responded:
1.) Make a public announcement sent to all students and the community addressing the current situation including specific details of the vandalism and the Institute’s official response to the event. SAIC sent an email from the dean’s office 72 hours after the crime, and only after my email was sent. I had to call the communications director to follow up and 2 hours later noticed the email in my inbox.This email from the dean’s office did not urge people with information on the crime to step forward. That email from security was sent 1 week after the vandalism was committed on May 18, 2010, again only after I inquired about why this was delayed.
2.) Begin and complete a thorough investigation into the vandalism I have yet to receive any follow up, or an official interview by the School’s security regarding details of the crime and their investigation.
3.) Provide security and surveillance for the installation starting immediately and throughout the MFA show Again – this did not start immediately, security was posted beginning on Saturday during the public staining event and I have noticed a guard posted the last time I was there
4.) Provide the necessary labor and time to replace the installation and vinyl lettering along with immediate and sufficient compensation for the materials involved with the installation Dean Wainwright responded to this initial request immediately and mentioned the other 4 points needed to be discussed
5.) Commit to future plans and actions that adequately protect works that take political, social and artistic risk There’s been no details or response to this request

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On May 17th (2 days after the public staining event), I sent the deans and upper admin the following email titled, “Your absence was noticed”

Dear ALL DEANS and Everyone Else in Power at SAIC,

As you know, last week my MFA Thesis Project was defaced.

Your presence from my event on May 15th was noticeably missing. Not one person associated with upper academic administration appeared at Saturday’s public dialogue about the crime and its effects on our communities. Other than faculty  (whom i personally invited), my performance department led by Faith Wilding (arranged ahead of time), James Britt (who i also invited), and the gallery staff (who were required to be there) — not one of you came. I had hoped that in the least some one from the Student Affairs Office would make an appearance since their mission is to promote and foster a healthy atmosphere for students to prosper. Let me be very clear – NOT ONE OF YOU came. No Deans and Division Chairs came. No Dean Wainwright (but at least you wrote me ahead of time telling me you may have child care issues). No Kitty Ross, Dean of Graduate Studies. No Paul Coffey, Associate Dean of Academic Administration. No Peter Gena, Graduate Division Chair (at he was on my crit pane!). No Joan Livingstone, Dean of Undergraduate Studies. No Beth Wright, Undergraduate Division Chair.  Not  one body from the Student Affairs Office.

I had hoped that SAIC was not just another academic institution but one who is a leader of visual culture. I thought this was a place made of caring and socially conscious individuals who would in the least stand by my side in the face of this heinous criminal act.

And by the way, since no one has emailed or called to inquire, the event went well in terms of reclaiming the wall with the public’s help. There was a strong dialogue about hate crimes and other issues related to institutionalized racism. Your absence was noticed and many people had private conversations with me on the matter!

And please don’t write me with excuses and reasons. Everyone has places to be. The point – is NOT ONE person from upper academic administration came to support or has even written or called with…in the least…words of support about the event (other than the initial public statement from the dean’s office which went out 72 hours after the crime). If there were any other kind of crime on or near campus – we would be alerted immediately by phone, text, and email. The criminal act of defacement to my work was obviously not treated with the same kind of seriousness by SAIC even though this criminal act is currently being investigated by the Civil Rights division of the Chicago Police Department.

And still there is no notice to school to urge students/staff who may have info on the crime to come forward.

Your absence speaks to an apathy and lack of seriousness I had not expected from people in power at a place of learning and growth. I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed to be a student affiliated with SAIC.

Lip service is not enough in the face of this kind of violence. I need you to act behind your words and uphold the mission/vision of SAIC.

Sincerely,

Student # 2192586

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On May 12th at 2:46am – I sent the following email titled “the defacement of my work” to the deans, upper admins, and department chairs of SAIC. No one reached out to me after the incident except for my department chair and gallery staff.

To whom it may concern at SAIC,

On Tuesday May 11 at 12:30pm my friend and I came to view my installation titled “1700% Project: Otherance” and found the wall installation defaced with caricatures and a word bubble that was not part of the installation or original performance. The word bubble was strategically placed around the wall text that reads “Kill all Arabs.” This is obviously an intentional act of hate related vandalism. The person(s) used the stains & materials left in the space for the defacement. There is no invitation for anyone to interact with the materials. The work has statements on the wall plate, takeaway brochure & the wall itself indicating the work is about “hate crimes.” I have filed a report with the local police department and with SAIC security officers.

The official and required waiver signed by me and all the other participants of the Sullivan Galleries for the MFA show does not have official language addressing what a response to vandalism involving hate crime to our installations should be.  I would also like to add that any clause inserted into the waiver does not exempt the school and the Sullivan Galleries of responsibility and accountability for hate crimes committed and expressed on its property.  Accidental or non-accidental material damage is not what is at fault.  There is no law in the United States that protects against hate crimes, especially those that are potentially racially motivated.

I request that the school immediately:
1.) Make a public announcement sent to all students and the community addressing the current situation including specific details of the vandalism and the Institute’s official response to the event.
2.) Begin and complete a thorough investigation into the vandalism
3.) Provide security and surveillance for the installation starting immediately and throughout the MFA show
4.) Provide the necessary labor and time to replace the installation and vinyl lettering along with immediate and sufficient compensation for the materials involved with the installation
5.) Commit to future plans and actions that adequately protect works that take political, social and artistic risk

It has been 5 business hours and as of now, one full day since the gallery and the Institute’s administrators and professors have learned of the incident.  There is only nine days left until the show closes, and ten days until the graduation reception that is going to held at the gallery.  I felt the need to write this letter as I have yet to hear from a single person from the institute.  Though I might add that I have contacted the State Attorney’s office , Lisa Alvarez, as well as several news outlets since my official press release on the incident. I recently gave an interview to NPR’s Worldview about the “1700% Project” and its relevance to the contemporary Muslim world and will do a follow up since this heinous crime.

Images of the defaced property can be viewed here:
http://1700percentproject.wordpress.com/2010/05/09/documentation-of-1700-project-iterations/

This is not just an attack on me as an artist, this is an attack on multiple communities to which the work speaks for.
I expect your prompt and swift response to my letter.

Sincerely,
Anida Yoeu Ali

Below are images of the wall installation taken the afternoon it was discovered defaced on May 11, 2010 [Note: 3 larger caricatures were discovered, 1 caricature on the far left had a word bubble which encircled the area of the stained wall text that reads "Kill all Arabs"]

This is the police report I filed today, Tuesday May 11, 2010:
On Tuesday May 11 at 12:30pm my friend and I came to view my installation titled “1700% Project: Otherance” and found the wall installation defaced with caricatures and a word bubble that was not part of the installation or original performance. The word bubble was strategically placed around the wall text that reads “Kill all Arabs.” This is obviously an intentional act of hate related vandalism. The person(s) used the stains & materials left in the space for the defacement. There is no invitation for anyone to interact with the materials. The work has statements on the wall plate, takeaway brochure & the wall itself indicating the work is about “hate crimes.”

Note from the artist:
A public performance is scheduled for Saturday May 15th at 12:30pm in Sullivan Galleries at the wall installation. My original performance was going to entail a scheduled performance of the text followed by a public staining of the walls. The point of the work is to make what is seemingly invisible more visible. However, based on this recent incident, I am responding by modifying the performance to include a facilitated dialogue with faculty, students, the public and the communities to which these acts of hate and bias crimes address. The “1700% Project: Otherance” is a politically charged art installation that cannot be silenced and disrupted in this manner. During Saturday’s performance I am asking for the public to join me in the staining process — to transform the marks of vandalism and hate into acts of collective healing and reclamation. This is a call to action to respond as a community within and beyond the borders of SAIC!

What this proves to me is that this is not just a student art piece, this is not just another graduate thesis project, this is work that extends beyond campus and institution walls. This work of art is at the center of a critical point where xenophobia, violence and fear intersect. It is disheartening to see my work defaced, but it is not surprising considering its politically charged content. This is not just an assault on me as an artist, this is an attack on multiple communities to which the work speaks for. — Anida Yoeu Ali

In addition to 5/15 performance, a final closing performance is also scheduled for Friday May 21 at 4:30pm.
All events are open to the public and free of charge.
The exhibition at Sullivan Galleries (33 S. State, 7th Floor) runs from April 30 – May 21, 2010.
Gallery hours are from Tu-Sa 11am-6pm.

To download the PDF version of the Press Release regarding this incident, please click here.

here’s the link to my interview on NPR/Wbez’s Worldview

This is part of Worldview’s latest focus on Islamic Reform and identity. My segment is about American Muslims using art as a vehicle for expression and social change. The program will have repeat air time Mon thru Fri @12pm, Mon thru Thu @9pm. And they will be airing the entire poem. You will notice that producer Assia Boundaoui over-pronounces my name and then host Jerome McDonald completely mispronounces my first name. But i don’t sound too bad otherwise – one could even say i sound smart and articulate. muhahahah. enjoy.

We entered our video into the OneChicagoOne Nation contest and this is the last week to Vote (Voting ends May 9th). We need everyone who likes this work and believes in this critical project to vote 5 stars for it! If you have multiple email addresses, you can vote as many times as you have email addresses. Follow voting instructions here

I am so thrilled to be working with such amazing and talented group of people. Thank you Amina, Jorge, Clover, and Cristal for all the energies and nuances they are bringing to this work. These are images from our rehearsal as all the pieces are falling into place. As I told them last night: Language has weight, it has presence, every part of our body interacts with words in different ways, words have a charge, this is why i love text. Spoken word performance activates the body through language that must be heard, felt and experienced. The embodiment and witnessing of this language activates space and leaves a visceral resonance even after the performance is completed. For me, the public function of art is to engage in critical conversations that speak to the narrative of now. Spoken word is always about the moment…the now.

“1700% Project: Otherance”
Performance/Installation: 100 lines composed from filed hate crimes, white vinyl letters, pristine white gallery wall, stain, rags, 4 bowls, and 4 live bodies enacting memorized text…exposed over time.

Conceived, Written, and Directed by Anida Yoeu Ali
performed by Amina Demir, Jorge Felix, Clover Morell, and Cristal Sabbagh

Sullivan Galleries
33 S. State Street, 7th Floor
Note: Show is part of School of the Art Institute Chicago’s MFA Thesis 2010 Show

* For the opening reception on 4/30/10, our performance of “1700% Project: Otherance” will run on the half-hour: 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm

Locating Us: The gallery is huge so when you walk through the main doors – head to the far northeast corner of the gallery to find our little section. Again, performances will begin at the half-hour mark so get there on time.

Exhibition Dates:
April 30 – May 21st
Gallery Hours: 11am- 6pm (Tues – Sat)
Other Live Performances:
Thu. May 6, 2010: 9am
Sat. May 15, 2010: 12:30pm
Fri. May 21, 2010: 4:30pm

***
Otherance is defined as the repeated view and/or expression of perceived strangeness or difference

Otherance utilizes narrative-based text as materiality for both live performance and a fixed installation. Otherance is one component of The 1700% Project a multi-faceted approach to the development of audience-specific and process-specific works based on the iteration of an original poem entitled 1700%. The prose poem is a cento, 100 lines of found writings, composed from actual reported hate and bias crimes experienced by Arabs, Muslims and those perceived to be “Arab” or “Muslim” since the events of September 11, 2001. The text is an unapologetic response to injustices against Muslims while simultaneously acknowledging the resonance of historical persecution. In this performance-installation, the text is exhibited as white vinyl letters against a white gallery wall. This “white on white” effect conveys the invisibility of these reported hate crimes and the violence of racial profiling. Activated through live performance, the text will be made more visible through the act of washing, staining and stenciling. The performance of the text confronts issues of visibility/invisibility in relationship to the body, community, and historical memory.

My work continues to investigate the residual stain of performance and how the live body completes the experience for both audience and performer. Performing narratives is an act of social storytelling that contributes to collective healing. For me, performance and storytelling become ways of bridging the interior and exterior space of self as well as initiate critical dialogues between communities and institutions.

I decided to engage in a bit of neologism and made up this word based on combining the words, iterance, utterance and otherness. I believe that racial profiling & scapegoating are violent forms of  “othering” deeply rooted in xenophobia and is a tool used throughout history to control and maintain power structures. My definition of otherance is the repeated view and/or expression of perceived strangeness or difference

ut·ter·ance n

1.    something said or emitted as a vocal sound
2.    the expression of something, especially in speech or vocal sound
3.    a style, power, or way of speaking
4.    the act of saying something

oth·er·ness n
the condition of being perceived as strange or different

it·er·a·tion n
1.    an instance or the act of doing something again.

Also called iterance
2.    a process of achieving a desired result by repeating a sequence of steps and successively getting closer to that result
3.    the repetition of a sequence of instructions in a computer program until a result is achieved
4.    a different version of something, especially a new version of existing computer hardware or software