Not to belabor the point but consider the State of Mississippi's (the
second state to secede) own words as to reasons for secession,
http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/features/feature16/letter_01.html. States right
ultimately addressed its ability to succeed economically, which for a state
like Mississippi nearly 60% black, meant slavery.
Brian D. Joyner
National Register of Historic Places/National Historic Landmarks
202.354.2276
Kyle McQuilkin
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> cc: (bcc: Brian Joyner/WASO/NPS)
Sent by: Museum Subject: Re: Gettysburg and the Sons of Confederate Veterans
discussion list
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.LSOFT.COM>
07/27/2005 02:14 PM
EDT
Please respond to
Museum discussion
list
I found Carol Ely's message to be very well said, and I agree
whole-heartedly. But I can't help but add my two cents with the desire to
turn the discussion toward museological issues.
As pointed out by several authors, it is difficult for the 21st Century
paradigm to digest the level of state allegience proclaimed by 19th Century
soldiers, particularly in the South. The fact that we now self-identify as
Americans first, and Texans or New Yorkers second, is largely a result of
the Civil War. Gettysburg stands in sobering testimony to that reality,
for both sides. It is hallowed ground.
I am not defending either position. Rather, to suggest, as has been
pointed out, that the Civil War was an American trajedy, not just a
division between the North and the South. As such, it seems somewhat
unfair to choose sides at a national battlefield. For me, the biggest
issue here comes to one of chosen venue for the exhibition.
I recognize the value in on-site exhibits, such as Wounded Knee and
Auschwitz, among many. And I won't comment on the artistic value of the
work in question, although certainly it deserved an audience. Just look at
all of the dialogue it has inspired here. But I think a more sensitive
institution would have moved the exhibit down the street a ways. Maybe
nobody would have fussed much then.
Is there value in fuss? Sure. But there's also value in respect and
dignity.
Perhaps, I gibber.
Cheers,
Kyle McQuilkin
Texas Tech University
School of Art
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