So in 1900, white people were condescending (stupid, condescending, white bleedinghearts!) to black people? Think of the alternatives!
It seems odd for Weems to pick on the Institute—even in this half-assed fashion—when there remains, 100 years later, actual raw, visceral, bloody injustice to decry. She could start by taking Benetton's magazine spread on death-row inmates, blowing up the pictures, and inserting her name in the title of each.
"Carrie Mae Weems: The Hampton Project" at Cal State Long Beach's University Art Museum, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, (562) 985-5761. Through April 21. Open Tues.-Thurs., noon-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. Free.