----------
The whole issue of museum behavior is linked to the conduct of people in =
society at large.  As viewing television at home has become the standard =
evening's entertainment, people behave differently in movie theaters.  =
They tend to act like they do at home, chatting, getting up more often, =
etc.  We may be a multi cultural society, but we have to live on the =
same streets, in the same towns.  How do we regain some consensus on =
public behavior that provides respect for others and freedom for our =
individual beliefs.


From:   Christopher Whittle[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Thursday, February 22, 1996 5:24 PM
To:     Multiple recipients of list MUSEUM-L
Subject:        Re: touching museum objects (long)

Who's culture are you discussing in our multicultural society?  I =
suspect
the museum professional's culture.  In your museum's mission statement I
suspect that there are some references to serving and educating the
public (all cultures) Museum professionals must make accomodations for
those that want to lick paintings and see what marble genitals feel
like-  if they are to thrive and not just survive.