>I would ask that instead of replying to Robin in such a sarcastic and brusque
>tone, you consider your ultimate goals and work WITH other professionals
>instead of against them.
snip
>Suzuki,
>the great violin teacher, once said, "Where love is deep much can be
>accomplished."  I hope the conversation can continue with an open mind and
>much love.  Only then might we find answers to your questions.
>
>Beth Bevars

Bravo, Beth, Bravo.

That is a really tough issue.  I don't think anyone has the definitive
answer as to why one group or another is noticeably absent from the ranks
of a particular profession.  I am often asked why there aren't as many
other blacks (or African Americans, if you wish) in the museum profession.
My answer is that perhaps that isn't their calling.  When I was a registrar
(I was one for 9 years) I was often asked if there were other black
registrars in the profession.  I could only think of about five by name
(two at Smithsonian) not counting myself, although I knew there were more
out there.

I don't think there is a concerted effort to exclude us, nor other
"minorities" from the profession.  In many cases it's a matter of choice,
sometimes influenced by exposure to museums early on, and the development
of an individual's identity with, and affinity for museums.  I was hooked
on museums by about age 8.  Growing up in Chicago and having a mom who
taught school made it easy.  I always went on her class field trips, and
saw most if not all of Chicago's museums more than once by the time I was
high school age.  I realize that I was the exception to the rule.  It
illustrates, however, that early exposure to the field could make a big
difference.  The key word is OUTREACH.

HBC

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Henry B. Crawford        Curator of History
[log in to unmask]     Museum of Texas Tech University
806/742-2442           Box 43191
FAX 742-1136             Lubbock, TX  79409-3191
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