Dear Blake, dear Patrick Boylan,

I am sorry to answer your question not earlier. At least, on the 1st of May. I 
agree totally with Patrick`s statement. Even if museum curators feel it would be 
better not to take a standpoint, they have to find a standpoint, both from 
analysis and a value system. They are paid for that. 
The question arises, what kind of a value system. I would propose 

- humanity
- human rights
- maybe christianity
- democracy
- care for nature
- ecological thinking
- value standards of research

The cry for "objectivity" and "balance" very often comes from groups which fear 
the analysis and value system of museum people. We can only learn from history 
of Men and Nature, if we feel free 

- to determine what`s important for us today and tomorrow  - and what not
- to summarize, to structurize, to name trends
- to select topics, questions, terms and - at least: museum objects.

The idea of Balance leads to neutralism. Neutrals will neutralized themselves as 
future victims of those trying to destroy the mentionned values.

Best regards

Dr. Christian Müller-Straten



Original message:
>
> On Sun, 12 Apr 1998, Collection Care Management wrote:
>
> > Subject: controversy
>
> > I am student at the University of Iowa and am currently working on a paper
> > about controversy in the museum.  I am interested in the decisions museum
> > management personnel make concerning the interpretation of controcersial
> > objects and displays.  Specifically, I am interested in examining whether
> > or not museums have an obligation to contact and include the views of all
> > parties influenced by the controversy.
> >
> > Thank you for your time.  I thank you in advance for your response.
> >
> > If you would rather reply off list:
> > Blake Cooper
> > [log in to unmask]
> >

Verlag Dr. C. Müller-Straten, Kunzweg 23, D-81243 München,
Tel/Fax: 089-839 690 43, http://WebMuseen.de/VERLAGCMS
MAGAZINES AND BOOKS IN MUSEOLOGY (GERMAN/ENGLISH)+ GERMAN THESAURI