For sure! Of course politics, etc., are much related to museology and as you
point out, these discussions should be appropriate! Some of us were able to
extract bits and pieces from that thread that may be relevent to issues we
are facing in museums...it soon became clear that wasn't the intent of the
thread, as it wasn't tying into any of that. In fact, but for a few responses to
the original thread (some, interesting still)...the relevent issues still
weren't explicitly addressed!
Some of the replies alluded to relevent political issues...I could tell
there were some of us that wanted to bring forth the relevent political
issues...but refrained, mostly because we didn't want to respond to an inappropriate
thread.
Since I am new to the list, I would think that in the more recent past there
has been discussions about the political situation and how the economy is
affecting museum attendance, etc. I regret missing that, and have only learned
of the impact gas prices have had at one museum...the director told me
attendance there was down 50%...and so donations, gift shops sales, etc., and
having to lay off a p/t employee as a result. The museum where I work - we only
had $45 in the donation jar for the entire season so far (which ends next
weekend, and I'll have the attendance figured then).
But I won't delve further into that issue in this reply. And I won't say
much about freedom of speech but that I have found that there has been some (not
a lot) intolerance to threads that are museum-related. This, I found to be
puzzling and somewhat oppressive.
Personally, I don't have an issue with managing my e-mail from this list as
I have a dedicated e-mail addy for this and other related work and research.
And, until I get the PC for the museum where I work, I am doing my internet
research from home and have more time to leisurely peruse these e-mails.
Regardless, I would suggest that the list be more aggressive about dealing
with inappropriate threads by immediately letting the person who posted it know
the thread is unacceptable (some did though), and that we otherwise refrain
from responding to the thread. If we do find some relevence, we can post
anew. Also, if a member has an issue of concern that isn't popular...perhaps they
could invite the discussion to go offlist?
Just some thoughts -Pam
In a message dated 8/28/2005 10:09:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
OK; I can't help, after seeking advice from a wise member of this
listserve. from saying the following:
There are a fair number of folks who have said, with regard the recent
flood of emails on a subject which might be called political, "That
being said, I am still struggling to understand the relevance of this
thread to museums." Also, "Freedom of Speech" has been mentioned often.
To make my point, detailed below, let me provide an example. During
Sunday morning services, a member of the congregation stands up and
makes a short and vehement speech on the merits of butter vs. margarine
in the American diet. The congregation looks at this person as being
slightly addled, considering it an inappropriate place/venue and time
for stating this position, yet the person defends the action as "Freedom
of Speech."
The issue at hand is not Freedom of Speech, but Appropriateness. Many
of us believe that the purpose of this listserve is to share opinions,
and seek advise, on museum operations and issues directly related to
museums. It seems inappropriate, for those of us already overloaded
with emails, to use this listserve for political or social discussion,
for chats or debates on subjects not directly related to the operations
of museums. To declare that there is a legal right of freedom of speech
to do so, without considering the issue of appropriateness of the venue,
appears to be strange at best and grossly inconsiderate at worst.
Is there a reason for belonging to Museum-L? Is that reason to
participate in political and social debate? Is it unreasonable to
recognize the concept of appropriate of place and time? Is it
unreasonable to respect others who participate in Museum-L and their
desire and/or need to keep the list focused to its purpose?
Of the many listerves to which I belong, this is the only place where
the purpose of the listserve is ignored. Please do not spam me back
with the freedom of speech lecture, ignoring the very real concern of
purpose and appropriateness of venue. /ken
Pamela Silvestri, Museum Assistant
Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Shenipsit State Forest
166 Chestnut Hill Road
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
(860) 684-3430
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