Creating typecasts: exhibiting eugenic ideas from the past today

Abstract

Typecast explored ideas around race and archaeology, heredity and eugenics in the early twentieth century. After independent consultation, I decided to write about the exhibition from my own perspective and publicly identify myself as curator. As part of my own response, I drew parallels with contemporary events and issues today. This paper incorporates a discussion of: the implications of using my personal identity; how situations could have been handled differently, the myth of neutrality, especially around contentious issues, within museum and media institutions, anonymous responses from visitors and identified critical voices; ethical responsibility in dealing with provocative issues, how wider discussion in a public realm was facilitated.

Reflective debate, radical transparency and trust in the museum

“…She cites similar experiences at the Manchester Museum, where the mix of responses included some that were highly critical and personal, affecting one's confidence and causing personal upset (Brown 2011, 146). In her paper, Challis notes, 'None of us are rubber balls that bounce back after confrontations or difficult discussions, though we may welcome debate, and dealing with personally focussed criticism can cause distress' (Challis 2013). Strachan and Makay also recognise that their own discomfort with conflict informed their relationships with the Muslim women with whom they worked, considering whether their fear of offending them may have caused them to change the questions they asked.…”