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Indian Author Declines Award Over Ban
Indian-origin Author Lahiri Declines Noguchi Museum Award Over Kaffiyeh Ban
Jhumpa Lahiri’s Stance Against Museum Policy
Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian-origin author, Jhumpa Lahiri, recently declined to accept the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to a controversial policy implemented by the Noguchi Museum in New York. The museum had banned its staff from wearing political clothing, leading to the dismissal of three employees who wore kaffiyehs in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Lahiri, known for her literary excellence and principled stance on social issues, withdrew her acceptance in protest of the policy.
The museum announced the news, stating, “Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy.” The decision highlights her firm opposition to the rule, which prohibits museum employees from donning attire associated with political messages, slogans, or symbols during working hours.
Museum’s Policy and the Kaffiyeh Controversy
The Noguchi Museum, founded by Japanese-American artist and sculptor Isamu Noguchi, introduced the controversial policy after several staff members began wearing kaffiyehs—scarves associated with Palestinian culture. Some employees cited cultural reasons for wearing the kaffiyehs, while others wore them in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, whose plight has been a matter of global concern. However, the museum argued that such expressions could unintentionally alienate a portion of their diverse visitor base, prompting them to institute the ban.
In defense of the new dress code, the museum clarified that the rule did not apply to visitors but was essential to maintaining an inclusive and open environment. However, the policy led to internal dissent, with a significant majority of staff members signing a petition opposing the new rule. The controversy escalated when three staff members were fired for wearing the kaffiyeh, sparking debates about freedom of expression and the role of cultural institutions in political matters.
Who is Jhumpa Lahiri?
Jhumpa Lahiri, born in London to Indian immigrant parents, is a celebrated author who gained global recognition for her debut story collection, Interpreter of Maladies, which won her the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2000. Lahiri’s literary works, spanning both fiction and nonfiction, have been written in English and Italian, showcasing her multilingual abilities and cross-cultural perspectives. In addition to her literary contributions, she is the director of the creative writing program at Barnard College.
Lahiri was set to receive the Isamu Noguchi Award alongside Korean-born minimalist artist Lee Ufan at the museum’s fall benefit gala next month. However, her principled decision to withdraw from the event underscores her deep commitment to advocating for freedom of cultural expression and solidarity with marginalized communities.
Lahiri’s Position on the Gaza Conflict
The issue of solidarity with Palestinians has been a sensitive and divisive topic within cultural and academic institutions. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, which intensified after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 of last year, has drawn widespread global attention. Lahiri, alongside thousands of other scholars, signed an open letter to university presidents in May, condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. She referred to the military campaign as an “unspeakable destruction,” emphasizing the profound human toll it has taken on Palestinian civilians.
Since the conflict began, more than 41,000 Palestinian civilians have lost their lives, and 1.9 million have been displaced internally. The humanitarian crisis has prompted debates worldwide on how to express solidarity with either side of the conflict. While the Noguchi Museum’s dress code policy was designed to maintain neutrality, it has sparked controversy, especially among those who see it as a suppression of cultural and political expression.
A Larger Conversation on Cultural Expression
The incident involving the Noguchi Museum and Jhumpa Lahiri is emblematic of the larger global discourse on freedom of expression, especially in cultural spaces. For many, the kaffiyeh is not merely a political symbol but a cultural representation. The museum’s decision to ban the kaffiyeh and other political symbols among its staff has highlighted the tension between maintaining an inclusive environment and allowing for individual cultural and political expressions.
In an era where cultural institutions are increasingly becoming spaces for political dialogue, Lahiri’s refusal to accept the award can be seen as a strong stance against what she perceives as an infringement on cultural freedoms. It remains to be seen how the museum and other cultural institutions will navigate these complex issues moving forward.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent the views of any party mentioned. It aims to present factual information surrounding the events discussed and respects the diversity of opinions on the matter.
