RE: Skipping History

Hey everyone-

Personally, I think that the solution mentioned below is 'cutting off your nose to spite your face.'

"Personally, I'd politely insist that the exhibit is taken as a whole or not at
all as it would be ignoring a large part of the region's history."

In an ideal world, throwing out an ultimatum would work. However, if your message is important and the knowledge deserves to be disseminated to children, isn't it better in parts than not at all? I think that Deb's second idea, below, is a great suggestion. Unfortunately, if the teacher is set, it probably won't fly.

"I'd also suggest that if the teacher objects to the use of tobacco that it would be a good opportunity to talk to her students about it when they got back to school. Depending on how old the students are, it might be interesting to compare the tobacco industry of 100+ years ago to the modern tobacco empires of today and how a seemingly innocent past-time has turned into a substance specifically designed to make people addicts and snag them when they are young. (No really, I don't have strong opinions about the tobacco industry. ;)"

I think it's too bad that many feel that ignoring bits of history is acceptable in teaching, but that's reality. I think you ought to suggest Deb's second idea but be flexible. If he/she still feels strongly about missing that part of the exhibit, see if you or the docent can incorporate mentioning the tobacco industry in other, pertinent parts of the tour. If nothing else, it helps children (and adults) understand that history is comprised of many stories that all happen at the same time.  

-Suzy

Jennifer "Suzy" Powers
Archivist
Fort Bragg Cultural Resources program
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910-396-6680

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