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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