A "Perfect" Celebration of Diversity Sparks Divisions

Murals celebrating community diversity are nothing new. These murals are meant to inspire residents of an area to be proud of the many differences that enrich the community as a whole. Often the artist will choose to show the difference through cultural images of joy, tradition and unity. Chicago muralist George Meyer has decided to take a less conventional approach.

Meyer, known for his unconventional methods, was commissioned in September to create a mural in Hyde Park that would unify the community in the face of their differences. Meyer accepted the job under the condition that he be given total creative independence on the project. The Hyde Park Diversity Council was unaware of what exactly the mural would depict until its unveiling on Tuesday.

The mural shows the smiling faces of Mark Linn-Baker and Bronson Pinchot, stars of the sitcom hit “Perfect Strangers,” which aired for eight seasons from 1986 through 1993. Linn-Baker played the role Larry Appleton, a photographer for the fictional newspaper “The Chicago Chronicle.” Along side Linn-Bakker was Pinchot, playing the role of Balki Bartokomous, Larry’s distant cousin from the island of Mypos.

The artist claims that Balki’s moving in with Larry is not so different from the manner in which the masses move into Chicago and must embrace each other for their differences. Meyer released a statement defending his decision.

“We can all learn a lot from these ‘Perfect Strangers.’ Larry, a Wisconsin native, upon moving to Chicago was suddenly thrown into a new world with strange customs through his distant cousin Balki. Balki himself was also being exposed to the wonderful new world that is the American melting pot. Balki often exclaimed, ‘America... Land of my dreams, home of the Whopper.’” Now if only more people would have such a positive outlook our communities would all be much happier places to live.”

“But it’s not just important for us to learn to accept other cultures and customs, but we must take the time to realize that we can also learn from them. In the December 9, 1988 episode “College Bound” as Balki prepared for a college exam, the cast looks back on all of their time spent together. As Larry reflects on all they’d been through, he comments on how much his influence has helped Balki, but only later realizes that he too has grown thanks to Balki’s influence on him.”

“The smiling faces of Larry and Balki will help unify this community both under cultural understanding and in remembrance of a better time for the television sitcom. As citizens gaze into the eyes of these lords of T.G.I.F. they will be reminded of all of the times that they overcame and accepted each others differences, and thus remember to do the same in their own lives.”

Despite his deep-rooted and relevant intentions, Meyer’s work has not been met with as many “Dances of Joy” as he had hoped. While some Chicago residents have almost instantly embraced the mural as a masterpiece, others find it to be confusing or even offensive.

Englewood resident Mary Lungdon commented on the mural saying, “I honestly don’t understand this. Call me ‘Old Fashioned,’ but I don’t think it makes sense to have a diversity mural with two white guys.”

Mary is not the only one who has expressed this type of narrow view on diversity. Stan Cornings of West Town said, “As an African American man I find it offensive that they would put up a mural for diversity that has no African culture represented.”

When reached for comment on such viewpoints, Meyer shot back defending his decision.

“There are already many murals for African culture; I decided it was time to show respect for Greek and American cultures. Besides, these people clearly haven’t seen the show. Anyone who has watched even one episode of ‘Perfect Strangers’ would instantly understand the sense of cultural unity that these two personas emit.”

Rest assured there are also some very strong supporters of the mural. Sean Semor of Lincoln Park is elated. “Are you kidding?! ‘Perfect Strangers’ was one of the best shows ever on ABC’s T.G.I.F. ‘Perfect Strangers’ also taught us to accept another culture’s customs and cuisine through dishes like Balki’s bing bong binki binki bakalava. It has also always encouraged togetherness. As the great Balki once said, ‘Momma told me never to do the Dance of Joy alone, or I would go Blind.'”

Chicago residents have expressed fiercely differing opinions on this issue, although many of stronger opinions have been shown to be very poorly informed. For now, the mural will remain in Hyde Park for all those who wish to see it. Meyer has expressed interest in painting a mural on the Northside depicting the “Perfect Strangers” spinoff “Family Matters.” He has yet to decide, however, which Lincoln Park bar wall is most deserving of the honor of Steve Urkel’s suspenders.