One final comment on this subject matter
and then I am done.
In my previous email, I referred to a
geneticist who put it very succinctly at a recent meeting down here in Houston: Ladies and
gentlemen, when it comes to science, it is not like a democracy. We cannot have
a vote and decide that evolution is or is not taking place. All scientific evidence
points to it existing and taking place.
The often repeated mantra that we should
have an open mind and allow people to come up with their own interpretation or
understanding completely misses the point.
As others have already pointed out,
creationism is not science, although it would like to be considered as such.
People are allowed to have their own opinion,
but if they do not accept evolution that does not mean that evolution does not
take place. It does.
I use the verb “accept” and
not “believe” in the previous sentence, because that is what it
boils down to. Those who study evolution do not have to believe in it, they
accept it. Moreover, since we cannot force people to accept evolution, we have
to respect that some will express opinions to the contrary. Why however, would
a science museum be forced to represent creationism as a valid alternative scientific
explanation of life on earth, I keep wondering.
Each time I see these remarks, I am
reminded of the famous Wedge Document, which originated from within the
Creationist/Intelligent Design movement. The reference to an open mind and
teaching both sides of the issue neatly fit in with the strategies laid out in
that document.
We have strayed very far from the answers
sought by the original poster. It is always fun to read (and react) to posts on
this subject matter, especially on a day like today.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Dirk
Van Tuerenhout
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of John Martinson
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009
2:46 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Hate speech on this
forum--one opinion over the other
Museums, IMHO, are suppose to present a story or
exhibit to the public,
not telling the visitor what to believe or learn, but allowding the indivdiual
the opportunity to learn.
Thus, presenting the subject of "evolution" or
"creationalism" should be done
with an "open mind" to include BOTH aspects of the
"theories" or issues, to allow the
visitor to come up with their own interpretation or understanding of the
subject(s). But, in no way do I feel that it is the
responsibility of a museum
to "tell" visitors one opinion over the other or what to
believe.
John
Historian
Boise, ID
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:00
-0500
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Hate speech on this forum
To: [log in to unmask]
I, too, have been deleting most of the responses to
this thread so as not to respond to this discussion. But, I cannot
refrain any more. I agree with your sentiments word for word.
I am the Director of a small museum on the campus of Messiah College. Diversity is a common
theme on college campuses and within our industry as well. If we, as
professionals, adhere to diversity, then we certainly must entertain all
thoughts, digest each one and hopefully come out with an understanding and respect
for that particular viewpoint. If we cannot do that, then our
governing body needs to create many workshops on the theme of
diversity so we can begin to understand what we say, when we say our
museums are diverse.
Director, Oakes
Museum of Natural History
Kenneth D. Mark
Director of the Oakes
Museum
Messiah College
One College Ave. Box 3029
Grantham, PA
17055
Telephone: 717-691-6082
FAX: 717-691-6046
Email: [log in to unmask]
>>> Mike Csontos <[log in to unmask]> 11/23/2009 12:38 PM
>>>
As a result of
this header I scanned all the posts on the "responses" thread and
found nothing I would regard as hate speech. In the response quoted, a personal
opinion was honestly disclosed with a statement on how it influenced that
museum's policy. Elsewhere the discussion seemed quite reasonable.
A public museum,
especially state or federal chartered, should reflect and respect
community values. How does one do that when the community is
split into groups that are "deeply disturbed" by any mention of
views opposed to their own?
Is it
responsible behavior to avoid recognizing the issue altogether?
It is
unlikely that discussion will resolve the issues but they should be kept
in mind, discussed, and thought about so one will be prepared to address them
when they arise.
We need to
regard language as a communications medium, not an assault weapon, even if it
takes an effort to do so.
In a message
dated 11/23/2009 9:23:47 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
I totally agree & appreciate your
remarks.
Curatorial Research Assistant
Still National Osteopathic Museum
National Center For Osteopathic History
ph: 1- 660-626-2359 ext.2558
>>> Dawn Distasio <[log in to unmask]> 11/22/2009 4:57
PM >>>
I have REALLY tried my best to hold off
and not contribute to this discussion, as I feel it has gone off topic.
However, with this latest email by Mr. LaGreca I cannot hold my tongue any
longer. As a Christian, and as a museum professional, I am deeply
disturbed and angry by the hateful speech that has been used during this
thread. Every religion has it's own creation story, and it should be
respected. Should we be forced to take one view as "gospel" (pardon
the word choice) - of course not. But to dismiss, and look down
upon, someone else's views because of your personal beliefs (and that goes
for whatever side you are on or belief you may hold) is not right either.
Furthermore, to regard them as "jokers", on a professional
forum, is degrading. And I direct my words not only at Mr. LaGreca,
but at all who have participated. I feel your speech is no better than
the conservatives you rally against. (For the record, before anyone formulates
an opinion of my motives, I happen to be a liberal.) We all have a
right to our own personal beliefs. We also have a right to disagree with
each other. However I feel it can be done in a respectful manner without
name calling.
As museum workers we must strive to represent
and respect people of all nations, religions, cultures and creeds. There
is no place for intolerance of any kind in our field.
From: Scott LaGreca <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Sat, November 21, 2009
7:26:38 AM
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] museum
responses to the Evolution/Creationist debate
Dear Friends & Colleagues,
Thank you for all of your comments. Some of you have written to me
personally, and some have replied to the list. I've taken the best
emails (in my opinion!) and made notes. I especially like the
suggestions for introducing an element of humor into my responses to
visitors.
Tomorrow is our film "Flock of Dodos" and I'm basically going to
begin
the program with a short introduction, saying (1) the reason we're
showing this film is that it's the 150th anniversary of Darwin's famous,
world-changing book, On The Origin of Species. And (2) Give some
background information about the film--and how (in my opinion) it's a
fairly even-handed, fair representation of both sides of the
evolution/creationism debate.
I'll go on to say that I realize that we appreciate that there are many
opinions and beliefs about evolution--but we're not going to debate them
here. [Personally, I'm not prepared to hold a "brown bag discussion"
or
"debate" after the film--although many list subscribers have
suggested
this]. I'll close my comments by saying that if anyone would like to
help organize a "public forum" at our museum to discuss the
evolution/creationist debate, to be held at some point in the future,
then please see me after the film.
Before I close this email I must point out that I was trained as an
evolutionary biologist (in botany) and (personally) I have a very small
appetite for creationism or intelligent design arguments. If it were up
to me, I would not provide a forum for those jokers in any institution I
worked in. I don't feel that creationists should be given the time of
day--their arguments are not scientific; indeed, they are dangerous, in
the sense that they threaten undermine decades of scientific research
and send society back into the Dark Ages. I believe that there is, in
fact, no "debate" worth having over this issue.
But of course, I'd never make my views "policy" into any place I
worked
:)
Thanks again to everyone,
Scott
Scott LaGreca, PhD
Natural Science Coordinator
Berkshire Museum
39 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201 USA
TEL 413-443-7171, ext. 17
FAX 413-443-2135
[log in to unmask]
Ring in the Holidays with the 25th annual Festival of Trees at the
Berkshire Museum from Nov. 14 to January 3, 2010.
This year's Festival
is proudly sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union.
For more event information please visit www.berkshiremuseum.org
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