In a message dated 10/12/2004 9:37:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< It seems to me that while the author of the Bloomberg
 article hits on the main point of the museum, briefly
 he dismisses it out of hand.  The museum is not an
 anthropology museum, it isn't even a history museum,
 so why should they place more importance and devote
 space to historic artifacts- even of great beauty and
 significance- above and before the artifacts and the
 material culture of a people who still live. His
 critique smacks of racism. >>

I find it very disappointing that critics who complain about what they
consider excessive "ethnic boosterism" should be accused of racism.  What an
excellent way to stifle dialogue!

I question the notion that NMAI "isn't even a history museum."  The strategy
for its inaugural exhibits seems to be to demonstrate that it is MORE than
"just" a history museum, yet how can an institution which was great riches of
significant historical artifacts NOT be a history museum? While any museum has
every right to position itself and define its mission through its exhibits, the
choices it makes for its displays are eminently fair subjects for criticism,
debate, and dialogue.  I don't think the critics are insensitive to the
museum's interest in establishing a holistic and celebratory tone toward Native
cultures by combining "historical" and contemporary artifacts in the exhibits, but
they have a right to question whether or not it works in the way it was
intended.

David Haberstich

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