Shame, the “consciousness of something dishonorable done by oneself”, defines this piece. Although I am not personally responsible for any hate crimes against people of color, I carry shame from my southern, white heritage. I likely have ancestors who were members of the KKK, or who at least felt justified in their hate because of a verse of scripture from Genesis. For that I feel shame. My eyes piercing the viewer from the mask challenge each person to take stock of their own beliefs. I wonder if we hide behind our fears as a way of not taking responsibility for our histories? Through this piece I ask a simple question: “Do you have reason to feel shame?”

Photo by Don Distel