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Constantly Look for Better Authority
White Lies Matter Too weaves conceptual art and thought-provoking narratives that explore various aspects of the American narrative and national myths. What was the inspiration for this unique book?
White Lies Matter Too is the companion volume to my earlier book, White Lies Matter (2020). Both books were inspired by the realization that most Americans (and for that matter most people everywhere) simply either don’t know their own country’s history or believe in some fantasy promulgated by popular media based on an algorithm that gives them just what they want to hear––something that reassures them that their faith in their beliefs is what is true.
What were some goals you set for yourself as you were putting your book together?
One overarching goal was to create sixty original digital art works that provided a visual counterpart to the text for each subject. Based on the educational tool of the nineteenth century but eerily resembling the electronic notebooks of today, the art is based on the slate––a mini-chalkboard that was common in classrooms before the advent of blackboards, whiteboards, or subsequently computers.
Do you have favorite image from the book? One that especially resonates with you?
As an artist, being asked to select one out of sixty images that I have created as superior asks me to criticize the rest of my art as inferior. So, the answer is, “No.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from White Lies Matter Too?
I hope that they reassess their own views, recheck all their media sources, and constantly look for better authority. If they find it, I hope they will let me know!
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In “White Lies Matter Too” O’Connor again sets up the image-and-text counterpoint template that was so deceptively and disarmingly user-friendly effective the first time around. O’Connor makes good visual-use of the image of the pre-industrial primary-grade child’s blackboard slate. This nearly life-sized object with its wooden frame has been stamped, emblazoned, outlined, and festooned with memorabilia signifiers such as gold stars; collectible vintage, retro arcana and iconography tags; historical memorabilia; photo clippings; militaria; souvenirs and travel keepsakes; flags; post-cards; buttons; cards; toys; coins; stamps; political campaign buttons; bumper sticker-type slogan labels; and any type of image that refers to the naturalistic world such as leaves. This multitude of insignias, signs, and symbols that O’Connor uses to flesh out his written narratives puts us in a “time-machine” mode that recalls the incremental forming of the American collective unconscious and its workings through time. O’Connor’s visual embellishments and their ideational contexts that we see surrounding the slate’s black void are signifiers of nostalgic sentiment, upholding some past ideal that refuses to move forward. They remind us of sentiment that imposes morality or some form of stubborn loyalty.
O’Connor’s scrupulously selected ornamental elements carry the weight of “feel-good” holders. They function as something that can be seen at first as relevant, fashionable, cute, fun, and romantic. Those accessories are also coded by the artist in such a way to infer the ominous potentiality for their dangerous misuse in the way they shape culture. On the opposite page to the child’s slate is O’Connor’s readable, engaging, exposé -like footnoted text detailing the retrofitted historical account that the artist is presenting to the world as the actual “record” of the truth.
I admire the tone of O’Connor’s art project. The artist incisively researches his unveilings of submerged histories using a combination of the literary and the visual. In lesser hands, an artwork carrying so much polyvalent information might easily have devolved into pedantry or academicism. John A. O’Connor’s “White Lies Matter Too” elicits outrage and relief. Outrage because his efforts at unraveling the historical perfidies, untruths, whitewashing deceptions, and hypocrisies we, as a nation, stand on makes us wonder: Will things ever change, really? Are we caught in an enervating, self-reinforcing perpetual loop, a national “eternal return” of bad faith? Are we as members of an extraordinary nation, once called “The Great Experiment,” capable of changing and becoming more ethical, idealistic, and truer to our “better angels”? If so: for how long?
White Lies Matter Too
In White Lies Matter Too, author John A. O’Connor presents a compelling exploration of American history, interweaving conceptual art with well-researched narratives. Each section of the book is structured around a series of plates that delve into varied aspects of American historical narratives, illuminating marginalized perspectives and critiquing entrenched national myths. Through his analysis of presidential legacies and the global ramifications of recent events, O’Connor challenges readers to reassess their grasp of historical realities.
Utilizing a combination of visual symbolism, engaging storytelling, and academic thoroughness, O’Connor crafts a narrative that scrutinizes accepted truths and advocates for a deeper, more layered understanding of history. His critical approach to sources and distrust of official narratives enhances the book’s identity as both an art piece and a scholarly work. O’Connor reflects on the transformative power of art and history, encouraging readers to question dominant narratives and adopt a more critical view of past events.
White Lies Matter Too asserts itself as a notable addition to both contemporary art and historical analysis, posing a compelling challenge to the oversimplifications prevalent in mainstream historical portrayals. O’Connor’s methodical research and analytical perspective utilize visual and narrative elements to provoke thought and broaden the reader’s historical insight. The book’s detailed citations underscore its scholarly merit, inviting readers to critically evaluate the information presented by traditional sources.
This work serves as a vital catalyst for reflection and discussion, enriching readers’ understanding of American history and prompting them to scrutinize the stories that shape their views of the world. White Lies Matter Too is indispensable for those intrigued by the convergence of culture, politics, and history.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0D25DK59C
White Lies Matter
White Lies Matter will have you think of your past, present, and future as a citizen of this world. In the book, John A. O’Connor touches on issues that affect the common man, politics of the day, history, and America as a nation. This book was an interesting read not only because the author is articulate in his writing, but also because he talks about reality in an interesting way. As a reader, you are able to grasp the content in the book without difficulties as the author goes the extra mile to explain unfamiliar concepts for the reader. White Lies Matter will open your eyes and helps you understand why America is run the way it is.
John A. O’Connor mentions a number of past and present leaders that have been in government and their roles in policymaking. He highlights their strengths as well as their failures. When talking about past leadership, the author is very specific with the information he gives, something that I admired in him as from his text, one can tell that the mainstream media sometimes conspires with the government to hide the truth from the people.
I like the arrangement of the book as it has 60 different plates; images that have interesting texts. The pictures and words on the plates are attention-grabbing, inspirational, funny, educational and can get one to be curious about certain topics. The inclusion of the plates was a genius idea as they not only increase the aesthetic value of the book but also complement the discussions in the book. Every plate is different with unique symbols and pictures. Through the plates, John A. O’Connor takes the reader on a ride through history, talking about iconic individuals in history.
The political themes in the book were my favorite. As a reader, you get to learn that politics is imperative and relevant even for people that swear to be apolitical. Politics affect our day-to-day life and that is why all citizens should be concerned with the subject. The reader also learns that governments do not always move the way they should.
There are a dozen other subjects that are connected with the main theme in the book. Learning how America as a country is, her people, and how the world views it was fascinating. Other subjects that I enjoyed reading about in the book include freedom, equality, capitalism, independence, religion, and art. I appreciate the author for fusing politics and art to make his points clear. As a reader, I fully enjoyed the discussions in the book and loved the artwork even more. White Lies Matter is a refreshing and enlightening book.
Pages: 138 | ISBN: 1663210950
White Lies Matter: Decoding American Deceptionalism
It’s always intriguing to find that you only need a few tricks blended with the effects of time to erode and modify people’s memory and appraisal of events or individuals. With a couple of white lies, cover-ups, and take backsies; you can make anyone see what’s not there or ignore what’s in plain sight. But John O’Connor isn’t an easy prey for deception.
In White Lies Matter: Decoding American Deceptionalism, artist and art professor John A. O’Connor points out the historical and contemporary inconsistencies plaguing American society. From issues on social justice to political matters, tainted historical accounts to double-mouthed American sweethearts, our author leaves no stone unturned in his attempt to set the records straight. He aims to uncover the long queue of American hypocrisy on display. To do this, he digs into both American systems and notable figures across several historical points.
O’Connor’s book will prompt you to question your knowledge of the world’s greatest country. The book – created as a set of digital art plates paired with explanatory text – is as visually stimulating as it’s mentally arousing. The author casts a wide net, and you’ll find many issues caught in it. He begins by punching holes in the claims that Columbus discovered America. Then he slowly works his way up to more sensitive matters. For instance, he contests America’s validity as a Christian nation since evidence from the earliest historical documents negates this notion. Past leaders aren’t spared, too, as O’Connor challenges their sainthood by revealing situations where they displayed conflicting values. You might be shocked at what you’ll learn about your favorite American heroes.
O’Connor’s concerns aren’t only with the past, though. He touches on contemporary issues that aren’t discussed enough, like the adverse effects of drilling for oil. He then shows that the public’s rating of the United States’ performance in critical areas like healthcare and law enforcement is inflated. You can be sure that the media gets a good beat down, too, for the recent flurry of fake news or “yellow journalism”. You’d expect a professor to write well, but O’Connor’s writing isn’t merely academic; it’s creative and engaging. He argues using metaphors and other storytelling elements that make his work very appealing yet easy to grasp.
This book’s arguments are unlike typical claims usually steeped in bogus conspiracy theories. O’Connor presents actual names of people, places, events, and dates, which anyone can quickly lookup. At other times, he simply helps us to connect dots that have always laid around. While there are speculations one might deem to be a stretch, his work is credible enough to provide a reasonable starting point on our quest to find the truth. Based on the research that went into it and the author’s delivery, I found the book to be a great read. O’Connor’s work might send you burrowing furiously down the holes of history to sate your curiosity. So, brace yourself.
Pages: 138 | ISBN: 1663210950
LITERARY TITAN 