My reply was sent to my wife who ahd forward the job posting to me.  I did not know or intend for it to be distributed widely.  However, since it has been-- New York city is the pun of many good natured jokes out west;  I ddi nit intend nor mean for the use of the word black to be offensive in any way-- but to indicate that at this museum they should have a predominately black; and a $40,000 salary is not much to live on in the big apple.  thanks for your comments.

>>> Gary Crockett and Jenny Olman <[log in to unmask]> 08/18/98 05:55AM >>>
Thankyou David Harvey. Of course this is a far more relevant issue for discussion.

If the larger issues of affirmative action had been raised, as some of the commentary has suggested might be behind Mr. Herrings comments, then that would be a legitimate "issue" for discussion on the list.  

The delight in vilifying Herring and, as such, side stepping this considerably more pressing issue seems to imply that the idea of supportive bias or preferential treatment in the interests of equity, access and inclusion holds little favour in the cultural sector. How long can we delude ourselves that the playing field is level? In our institution, under government support, applicants with specific cultural backgrounds are openly sought for certain positions. 

Gary Crockett
Curator
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Sydney Australia
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website www.hht.nsw.gov.au