Consider Diversity

Jennifer Vogel’s piece on Eric Enstrom’s Grace photograph [“That Old-Time Religion,” December] provides thoughtful analysis of times when religion was “rooted in humility.” However, it neglects to note this image which captures Bovey, Minnesota’s “Christian background” is the official photograph for the state of Minnesota. I learned this a few years back when I (at the time a lapsed Unitarian) and my Jewish friend encountered the painted version of Grace hanging on the walls of the Minnesota secretary of state’s office. As an art historian and activist I find this situation choice of art fascinating. On the one hand, the image is perfect for Minnesota. The vast majority of elected officials are white, Christian men. True, many aren’t in financial straits, but still. Political discourse—be it about reproductive rights, gay marriage, or relicensing nuclear power plants—is aimed at a Christian audience. For example, during the June 30, 2005, Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s open house for relicensing the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant so it can operate 30 years beyond its current license, members of the public were told employees at the plant volunteered at schools and churches: not mosques and synagogues. So on a political level the image does seem to suit Minnesota. But then one thinks about all of the Minnesotans who aren’t white or Christian. It would be nice, especially for Minnesota’s children, to have a different state photo—maybe one that celebrates Minnesota’s diversity.