R. Baron wrote:
 How do the contributors to museum-l view the
>function of establishing normative modes of decorum in their museums?


As for me, I think we need to distinguish between two different types of
behavior in this discussion,  based on the motive of the individual.

1) the innocent mistake -- example:  individual touches an object, not
knowing that the appropriate response with this particular object is *not*
to touch

2) blatant disrespect -- example:  individual touches an object, knowing
that he/she shouldn't, but also knowing that since no one is looking he/she
can get away with it

I see no problem with setting, explaining, and enforcing "normative modes
of decorum."  In my opinion, relativism will never work.  Without absolutes
we will only breed chaos, confusion, and the trampling of the individual
rights that relativism claims to protect.  I believe this argument stands
regardless of the setting:  museum, home, school, town and country.  As
individuals, we must each set our own responsibilities ahead of our own
rights.   My rights cannot, and should not, be enjoyed without having
already met my responsibilities.  (ie:  there is no free lunch)  Translated
to fit this current thread:
-As a visitor, it is my responsibility to find out what defines an
appropriate response in the museum.  If I make a mistake, I must face the
consequences.
-As a museum staff person, it is my responsibility to let visitors know the
appropriate responses in the museum.  If I make a mistake, I must face the
consequences.

In anticipation of rebuttal, consider the following analogy before
responding to my last two statements.   Would the police be likely to
accept my excuse for speeding, "you see officer, I'm from Montana where
it's legal to drive any reasonable speed.  I thought Minnesota had the same
law."  I don't think so.  I'd have to accept my consequences and be on my
way.  Now, if Minnesota failed to post visible speed limit signs, the plot
would thicken.  Enough of the analogy.

 Let's meet our responsibilities.  Let's give those making the "innocent
mistake" a little leeway, but still let them know it was inappropriate.
Let's enforce the rules with those with "blatant disrespect."

I love our museums, and I love watching museum-goers experiencing the
museums, but I refuse to accept the behavior of the few (thankfully)
"blatant disrespect'ers" who aim only to fulfill their own selfish motives
at the expense of the museum, its objects, and the experiences of other
visitors.

Keeping my box of Dial handy,

Bill


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
William H. Stirrat  (Bill)
Evaluator/Market Researcher              ? !
Our Minnesota Science Hall                  o
Science Museum of Minnesota          /( )\
30 East 10th Street                                    /\
St. Paul, MN  55101
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As always, opinions expressed are my own.
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