Home | Featured | Ethnic Expo Logo Chosen - Does it Capture the Essence of Diversity and Culture?

Ethnic Expo Logo Chosen - Does it Capture the Essence of Diversity and Culture?

Source: City of Columbuz Posted: 19.Jul, 2012 12:46:00 | Last Accessed: 2013-05-23 12:14:35 |

23 Comments Article Rating:0 | Read: 1580 | New today: 1 | Mobile Version

While the City doesn't/won't show all the entries submitted, I don't believe this logo captures the essence of diversity and culture as I thought the logo was supposed to. The world above the "I" isn't "round" but I guess neither is the world. Now if the logo had all the flags of the world woven into a quilt-like lettering and stitching then maybe that would be a representation of culture abroad.

Amanda Waltz of Columbus, Indiana, has designed the winning logo for the Ethnic Expo logo contest. From its origins in 1984 as a celebration of Columbus Day, Ethnic Expo has evolved into a free, two-day festival, celebrating over 30 ethnicities and attracting crowds of 30,000 to 35,000. The purpose of the contest was to have a new “look” to showcase the diversity in the Columbus community and growth of the Expo.

Amanda’s design reflects these changes, “I chose to include the faded "people" figures within the word "ethnic" as a representation of how Ethnic Expo engages so many in our community to experience cultures they may not get the opportunity to learn about in person. I chose the color blue because it means purity, stability and peace. I think that for one weekend per year, Ethnic Expo provides a relaxed, peaceful setting for us to taste the food, hear the music and shop the products of the world.”

Festival features and offerings include authentic ethnic food booths, cultural exhibits, live performances of international music and dancing, a bazaar of authentic ethnic items, a parade, special entertainment for children, and even fireworks. There are two stages for entertainment and several tents for dining.

Since the event is not-for-profit and admission is not charged, the festival relies on grants and donations from foundations, businesses and individuals to finance its cost. First Financial Bank has been the Title Sponsor of the expo since 2010.

Ethnic Expo is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers. Many clubs, service organizations, church groups and individuals help make the festival possible year after year by volunteering their time, organizing food booths and managing the displays. Local not-for-profit groups, sororities, church groups, service clubs and some school groups operate many of the food booths and use the proceeds for their charitable causes.

Amanda is a Columbus native, and graduated from Columbus North, then Franklin College with a degree in Journalism. For the past three years, she has worked as Senior Graphic Artist for Home News Enterprises magazine division, designing Hamilton County's NORTH magazine, and Bartholomew County's Columbus magazine. She will receive $500, two shirts with new logo, ride in the Ethnic Expo parade and receive special recognition at the judges’ stand.

Ethnic Expo will be held October 12th and 13th, in the streets surrounding City Hall at 123 Washington Street. This year’s host country is Brazil.

The parade will be held on October 13th at 11:00 am. Please contact Anita Palmer at anita.d.palmer@cummins.com or 377.3812 for more information.

Children’s activities will be from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday.

Contact: Office of Community Development at 376.2520 or communitydevelopment@columbus.in.gov

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Comments (23 posted)

Phil Swaim 19/07/2012 16:31:19

I like the logo. It's simple, yet has characteristics that clearly paint this event as a multi-ethnic all embracing event.

Sim 20/07/2012 23:56:58

" It's simple, yet has characteristics that clearly paint this event as a multi-ethnic all embracing event."

And what, specifically, are those characteristics? There is NOTHING that shows 'multi-ethnic' in this logo.

Phil Swaim 20/07/2012 08:00:39

In the word ethnic, whom do you see? African? German? Japanese? Peruvian? YES! It's the ambiguity. I think it's funny that the Admin say merely white people in the word ethnic. I guess times havent changed much in race identification in America. Either that or this logo has the effect of the viewer viewing their race as those people. The whole people in the word ethnic says a lot. They are no race. It's indeed a message of unity in the ethnicities. Not through become singular in race, but uniting all the races for one event. That's how I see it, anyway. I suppose someone is going to get offended by it. Again, it seems ethnic feelings haven't changed in a long time and therefore jump to conclusions on the basis of colour.

-3

Admin 21/07/2012 00:57:55

Phil, then the previous logo was fine - if by your definition the word "Ethnic" itself represents what the Ethnic Expo is about, the old logo was perfect as it has been for years. No need to invest in $500 for an idea expecially when we can't see or have a say in the "others" submitted. For all we know no other was submitted.

-1

Sim 20/07/2012 23:52:35

I agree with what you say, but then why call it Ethnic Expo? Shouldn't it be called Unity Expo, or World Expo? Ethnic Expo should display differentiation by definition. Your premise is a contradiction of the term being used.

Admin 20/07/2012 03:14:54

How can u tell it is multi-ethnic? Is it because has white stick people in the image? I'm confused - this isn't a painting where you interpret what you're seeing but rather a logo to represent the Ethnic Expo. As new people look at the logo, would they know this was a culture based event other than reading the word Ethnic?

-3

Brick Layer 20/07/2012 09:22:01

Stick people? Looks more like fat translucent penguins.

-1

Heretic 20/07/2012 01:44:19

What characteristics? That is says ethnic? A globe? Its neat and clean but nothing diverse is depicted here.

Angela 19/07/2012 18:39:10

The world not being round is insignificant.
Nothing about this says diversity. It's uniformity sends the opposite message.
Flags of the world would be way too busy and gaudy.
A good logo should be clean, and simplistic, yet 'tell the tale'.
This logo has only two of those elements.

Brick Layer 20/07/2012 07:20:15

Upon its inception all the Ethnic food booths were required to offer a sampling for 25-50 cents and be posted, so one could experience the tastes of the world. While this might still be protocol, good luck in finding anyone to honor it. As usual, it's all about the money now.

Paula Jarrett 20/07/2012 11:34:48

This a great event to highlight different ethnic backgrounds, and their food. How stupid it was to have the USA as the host country from last year. Isn't that defeating the whole idea of "Ethnic Expo?"

-3

Sim 20/07/2012 23:47:26

Not stupid at all. The United States is one of the many countries of the world. There is no reason for this country to be left out. That would be discriminatory. All countries get their spot eventually. This time it's our turn. To be the host, is to please, and cater to, all the other countries represented by Ethnic Expo. Hosting is, in essence, paying tribute, and homage to all the others. Get it? besides, the U.S. has cultural significance and indigenous foods as well. I am proud to be an American and a United States citizen. You don't seem to share that sentiment. Do you have something against the United States?

Paula Jarrett 21/07/2012 11:14:09

Sim...I have agreed w your posts. I in no way intended to down the United States; I find having the States as the host Country defeats the purpose of the name of this event. Especially given all the different countries, that are here now, working probably at Cummins. I have nothing against this country at all. I would like to have this chance to, learn of a different background, than one I am familiar with. I always visioned this "Ethnic" Expo is for us to learn about different cultures, and traditions.

Sim 21/07/2012 15:34:08

I always visioned this "Ethnic" Expo is for us to learn about different cultures, and traditions.

It's for ALL to learn about ALL cultures. We are no exception to ethnicity or culture. You seem to think we are excluded or exempt. It does not defeat the purpose, it emphasizes the purpose. Ethnic does not mean 'foreign' or only cultures with dark skin. Also, you don't seem to realize that being 'host' does not mean being in the spotlight. It means taking care of, or providing for, the others. Please do your Google research on the words 'ethnic' and 'host'. And please don't come back here afterwards with your 'definitions', as if you're trying to educate others, when you are the one who is a bit confused.

Paula Jarrett 21/07/2012 17:30:57

I went even further Sim, after I looked up ethnic, which just talks about a group of people of the same ethnic group etc. No where did it say it was specific for the US. So I googled Ethnic Expo, and found what I'm trying to tell those that don't get this, should embrace the melting pot of Columbus, ethnicity. I'm far from being confused LOL...doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out this is a celebration of the diversity of our city...

-1

Guy 20/07/2012 16:48:10

If this was the best then I'd hate to see the others that weren't chosen. Nothing about this logo conveys the ethnic message. Someone hand me an etch-a-sketch please.....

-1

Angela 21/07/2012 16:11:20

The USA has been THE host to many ethnic groups for over 200 years. Ever heard of Ellis Island?
As far as Ethnic Expo goes, I think the U.S. should be the permanent designated host for the annual occasion.

-5

Paula Jarrett 21/07/2012 16:45:31

Angela, that (having the US yearly be the host) defeats the purpose of having an Ethnic Expo. With so many cultures here, mainly due to Cummins, this is one way our city embraces the nationalities of foreign countries.
"One of the best examples is Ethnic Expo, an annual festival of food and culture that embraces Columbus’s international flair." The operative word here "INTERNATIONAL."
We celebrate our country every 4th of July, Flag day, Memorial Day, and Labor day.
If we had th US host it each year, then they need to change the name of the event. Don't you want to learn about other cultures??? It's good to have an open mind...work on that Angela...

Sim 21/07/2012 18:15:57

You still don't get it, Paula!

Being the host enables all the non-host countries to be the 'stars'. You have it ass-backwards.
You think that hosting, is being the headliner....it is the opposite.
It is far better to be the guest, than the host. The U.S. being the host means that all other countries are the guests, as you would have it. The host sets the stage for the others and makes sure the others are taken care of and fully represented. The host is NOT the center of attention. Is that what you think? If so, you are way off.
When you have a party AT YOUR HOUSE, you are the natural choice for "host". Unless in Edinburgh people expect their guests to do the hosting duties.
In the U.S., it is our house, hence WE are the host. Plain and simple.
When you invite others to your house, YOU are the host.
HOST - One that furnishes facilities and resources for a function or event.

Nevermind, hon. You just don't understand the concept of what hosting is all about. I give up on trying to help you to understand. If you don't get it by now, you never will.

-2

Paula Jarrett 21/07/2012 20:43:49

Sim you and Angela are very simiar in your postings, and both don't understand what the Ethnic Expo is. How much clearer do you want it? We host in the way by providing a spot for EE. But the host country should be something we learn from the various food, dances, and other customs. Just read what I posted to Angela. This event is to honor the various ethnic background that has come to work at Cummins.
And Sim, I know your
Yes the folks here provide the table and chairs, a stage, but there should be a country we celebrate

-2

Administrator 21/07/2012 18:32:50

So she used a generic symbol for a person. Not a specific color. Not a specific characteristic is indicated. Like we are all humans and pretty much all the same, even with our differences.

Isn't that what the Ethnic Expo is supposed to be about?

Again, the debate goes back to differences and lack of signifying one specific group over another.

Sim 21/07/2012 19:17:25

You are correct about the sameness in regard to being human, but calling it Ethnic Expo, implies emphasis on differentiation, which the logo fails to display...aside from the height of the human figures.
From the website: "(The organizers)...wanted to feature the city's diverse ethnic heritage and to make the celebration a tool for understanding different cultures and customs."
So you see, this specific event was not intended to signify unity, but on the contrary, DIVERSITY.
The topic here is not who we are as a people, but whether this logo correctly and accurately depicts the purpose of the event.

-3

Paua Jarrett 22/07/2012 08:01:02

Why Sim, I have believe you talk out of both sides of your mouth!