Cultural Hiearchy

Just began a new book! It was written about a decade ago by Dubin, and I've found it quite interesting. Actually, when I enjoy a book this much and can understand it without my dictionary (or without my phone on dictionary.com at least), I'm pleasantly surprised. I think I've been reading too many dull text books because this summer I've come across some great writers who can get their point across eloquently but without pleonasm (yes, I did look that one up). Dr. Dubin is one of these, and a fine storyteller.

Each chapter of this book highlights an instance where a museum has become a contested sight. I've only read the introduction and the first piece on the Harlem exhibit at the Met back in 1969. He's already brought up many interesting issues which aren't exclusive to this situation. The one that has caught my mind is using the audience as a creative force in museum exhibits. Whether the viewer part of art, is a different question. It seems that this is when multimedia began infiltrating the exhibits. In my own experience with History and Science museums, at least, I know that this has become widespread. It seems the same 'tricks' used by advertisers to catch and hold our attention are used in museums as well.

As a product of this generation, I rather enjoy a multimedia experience. Thinking of the most memorable museums I've visited: The Spy Museum in D.C., the Imperial War Museum in London, and even a little Etruscan museum in Cortona, Italy, these not only used lighting, audio, and visual effects, but used them well. So, it seems that since the 60's, many people have changed their point of view, but my question is- has the argument ended? Do critics still believe that there is a "right" presentation of history, science, or art?

Of course, the Met is an Art museum and that changes the argument landscape. Should multimedia be used (or even can it be used effectively) to display art? In the more contemporary art museums I've visited, multimedia is an art. Is there still a firm segregation of quality between the older and newer forms of art? Do people bother arguing about this still?

Questions I feel everyone else has figured out, and the more I read the more that seems true. I'm working hard to remind myself that curiosity is a gift and there's nothing wrong with not having the answers. I'll figure it out eventually... or forget the question; in any case, it's the questioning that's important. Don't let my parents hear me say that though. That's my education coming through; it's turning me into one of those people who dare question what they've been taught all their lives.

Random side note: I've purchased a slew of my favorite pens in different colors and have used them quite a bit... my notebook is looking fantastic. I'm leaving it open on my desk so I can look over and smile at how neat and pretty it is!

Referenced:
Displays of Power: Memory and Amnesia in the American Museum by Steven C. Dubin

Museums and Communication

After a month of traveling and helping out at my home church, I'm back in College Station for the rest of the summer. The new peace and quiet (and unlimited access to my favorite coffee house) mean that a renewed effort is going into my reading.

My goal for July is to research in more depth the rhetorical modes of studying museums, so I more firmly connect the two disciplines in my mind before I have to write my personal letter for the grad school apps. This is the first time I've really read anything in museum studies and I'm quite amazed at how much writing is out there. This should be a very interesting month!

Questions to ponder:

• Exactly what role do museums play in constituting culture? Is this role as valid as it was in the past? Will it be in the future?
  
• Will the goals of museums remain the same? Will the be valued in our future society?
• What rhetorical methods (or frames?) are being used museum's today?How does the public respond to these tropes?
• Exactly what ways does a museum function as a public space and what are the implications of these methods?
• How is the museum used as a rhetorical space?
• What future studies could be done to illuminate the connection between museums and the rhetoric?
• Or HOW CAN MUSEUMS BE STUDIED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE COMMUNICATION FIELD?