Photo by Michel Monteaux
3 Questions, July 20: “With Museum of International Folk Art Interim Director Kate Macuen”
Perplexing Twist
One question I might ask her; if you could find a way to provide visitors a better way to know what the permanent exhibition Girard Wing shows in each case, you’d be everyone’s hero. I know the donor insisted on no labels on each case, but maybe an audio that is invisible that each person could hear would satisfy everyone. I can’t tell you how many times people ask me in perplexed ways how to know what’s on display in each case. And when I point to those booklets, they shrug. The booklets are a museum goers sad replacement for a professionally presented collection. Please innovate something great. Thank you.
Gregg Davis via Facebook
7 Days, July 27: Only Somewhat Comical
Regarding “4. POPE FRANCIS APOLOGIZES TO INDIGENOUS CANADIANS FOR RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL ABUSE” in 7 Days the Santa Fe Reporter wrote the following comment:”Then he [the Pope] wore a traditional headdress, because nothing says reconciliation like cultural appropriation.”
There are many valid criticisms to be made of the Pope’s apology, principally that the Church, as the “Body of Christ” is blameless in formulating the “Doctrine of Discovery.” That [doctrine] was and continues to be the theoretical basis for European genocidal abuses here and in Canada, indeed, throughout the world.
Though somewhat comical, the Reporter’s comment betrays real ignorance of a tradition common to many nations of First Peoples. In that tradition, leaders or representatives of other peoples are honored by the gifting of Native regalia, including ceremonial headdresses. That the writer is not aware of this widespread practice should have limited the ability to make such a foolish comment, a comment that has no basis in reality, and which actually distracts any discussion from serious and profound issues.
In sum, the Reporter covers up a real issue with its sad and ill-informed attempt at humor.
Jim Klukkert, El Rancho
