Comments on: “The history of America is too big for one building.”

By: Sarah Prince

Sarah Prince — Tue, 01 May 2018 17:31:19 +0000

I think this topic is important to address because American history is white washed, which leaves out lived experiences of minorities. It’s true that American culture has a month to appreciate black history but we have every day and most of history learned to celebrate “white people” in history. It is also important to remember that white history is implemented within our national holidays and some of which are not days to celebrate for minority groups and days that symbolize their oppression. Multicultural museums are important for education, especially since many people don’t have access to classes like our contemporary racism course. The comment about there not being a white people museum reminds me of white people who claim to be oppressed.

By: Tovia Marinstein

Tovia Marinstein — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 18:02:19 +0000

I recently visited the Steel Stacks in Bethlehem and found the highlighted narrative to be white-washed, in a similar way that you’re referring to. While in the fine-print of posters there was acknowledgement that Mexican and Puerto-Rican immigrants were key members to the day-to-day operations of the Bethlehem Steel, they were not represented in photos or displays. So often it seems like our country tries to credit white people with building this country, where from a historical standpoint that doesn’t prove true.

By: Morgan Weiss

Morgan Weiss — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 18:43:43 +0000

As I was in D.C. last semester, I was able to attend the National Mall many times, especially the Museum of African American History. Attending this museum was so overwhelming for me, simply because so much of the lived experiences for blacks are left out. This museum forms a true narrative in many different settings (music, tv, slave history, political, sports, etc.) It is scary to see how many museums offer the White narrative and leave out the many others who have contributed to the formation of America. Similarly, in one of the museums that I attended there was a new exhibit called “Many Voices, One Nation.” In this exhibit there is a timeline of all the minority groups, many that I had no clue about, that played a role in shaping and forming our country. Much of the reasons why we are here today stems from the involvement of minority groups. Thus, this opened my eyes to look beyond just the black narrative that is not taught, but also those narratives involving many other races.

It is frustrating to see the backlash the African American Museum is receiving because it is something so beautiful and impactful that everyone should see. However, only those with motivation and desire are the ones attending, and is that enough to make a change? Is that enough to influence others? Will this “new” history being taught effect how history is actually taught in the classroom? However, the presence of this museum is vital, because as you say it creates a conversation all year. Race will not be only talked about once a month, but 12 months, which is an important piece to acknowledge.