Philistines to Fascism (Part II)

A recent hate crime in Southampton has shocked the local community to the core. Or certainly, those communities most socially conscious of diversity and LGBT rights.

The incident was a ridiculous own goal from suspects who are presumably natives or local to the city. The story has gone national with consequences of infamy that can only be damaging to those proud of Southampton. Or equally those hard-working people behind the cultural quarter, who tirelessly strive to raise the cultural and artistic profile of our home city.

The incident was first published by the NST theatre advising people of the resulting cancellation. Then the local echo ran it as a story. Naturally widespread national coverage resulted in the Beeb giving us their two cents.

Arguably a pattern from previous events of a similarly Philistine nature.

 

[Featured image photo courtesy of Dave Hubble]

Philistines to Fascism

Recently I have noticed two separate incidents of mindless vandalism against public displays of art.

Both within a relatively short time.

Both within an even shorter distance.

The new ‘cultural quarter of Southampton‘ has been host to many examples of art and music and even increasingly more so since the completion of the million pound NST theatre complex.

Even before the arrival of homogeneous mainstream food franchises masquerading as symbolic multi-culturalism… There has always been a naturally occurring homegrown bohemia in the form of local businesses like Belgium & Blues and Mango. But none more dedicated to the  truly artistic idiom than the Art House.

Somewhere along the story, the corporate franchises,  local businesses,  the council and the will of Southampton’s artistic community joined forces and made something wonderful.

The conclusion to this is that many good things now happen in Southampton, in the name of ‘art’.

Now, to my point: Over the last week or so, I have seen two incidents of seemingly mindless destruction of  inoffensive artwork.

EXHIBIT A:

The panel painted on the wall outside the Art House seems to have incited unwarranted destruction from some angry philistine:

EXHIBIT B

 

These cheerful patrons were minding their own business.

Were they mouthing off?

Or were they looking at somebody the wrong way?

Years ago our multi-colourful rhino trail took a bit of a battering too.

I am not saying Southampton high street is without any history of drunken anti social behavior. That would just be ridiculous but in the rise of the new cultural dawn… here we see elements of philistine mentality.

It is far too early to say but at the risk of sounding dramatic, continued destruction of public artworks.. is perhaps an early warning sign of of the rising tide of fascism?

Or just the usual Friday night piss head taking out their frustrations on something they don’t understand?

OR…. (*Spoilers* -cliche ahead) .. BOTH!?

 

 

[*Photos courtesy of Dave Hubble and Cat Eliza T )