At the Field Museum's [permanent] Africa Exhibit today, I noticed for the first time a plaque noting examples of African-American genius. Among the many worthy list items (medical discoveries, inventions of great worth, famous artists and actors) were listed "The High Five" and "Charismatic Preaching".
Really?
Aside from the obvious racial blunder, this is another of many examples of the Field Museum's lack of upkeep and updating. The anthropological/ethnographical sections are sadly ethnocentric and, while well-intended I'm sure, often culturally patronizing. In the 'Nature Walk' exhibit of taxidermy animals there are many removed display items, and many of the animals show wear. This is not to mention the telephones that connect you to imaginary computerized park rangers, mounted below signs that say 'listen to this cup'. The phones don't work anyway.
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2 comments:
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Adam, Jon, and I talked about this same thing when we saw this exhibit! Also, last weekend I was in DC and went to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and was extremely impressed how that museum was very up to date (both in regards to technology and the actual content of the exhibit), compared to the Field Musem and AMNH in NYC.
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