Are Our Museums Substituting Political Correctness For Inspiration? By Gerald Walpin*
GERALD WALPIN IS THE FORMER INSPECTOR GENERAL APPOINTED BY PRESIDENT BUSH. HE WAS FIRED BY THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION WITHOUT CAUSE–WHEN HE GOT CLOSE TO DISCLOSING A POSSIBLE SCANDAL THAT LED RIGHT UP TO THE STEPS OF THE WHITE HOUSE. …..RSK
The Code Of Ethics, adopted by the American Association Of Museums, directs museums “to foster an informed appreciation of the rich … world we have inherited.” For that purpose, the Ethics Code directs, programs should “respect … traditions,” and “encourage people” by providing “inspiration,” and thereby “promote the public good,” not any museum management’s personal agenda.
My wife and I are supporters of several of New York’s excellent museums. I am saddened, however, by recent changes in two museums, that replace tradition and inspiration with someone’s view of what is politically correct. One change does not promote public good, but debases traditions, and torpedoes inspiration from our country’s major hero. The other creates a false impression of the positive role of a political hero of some.
The New York Historical Society deserves plaudits for its exhibits and speakers, and its total building renovation. Unfortunately, the new sculpture montage at the entrance highlights deficiencies, rather than positive aspects, of our country.
The bust of George Washington is central – as it should be, given his role in our country’s creation and his New York inauguration as the first President. But the description that accompanies it hardly creates inspiration. Instead, it starts by merely calling him “a symbol of liberty.” He was no simple “symbol.” He unselfishly left his luxury life to serve for years as General, leading patriots in muddy and snowy fields to a victory that gave us the freedom that we enjoy today, despite knowing that, if unsuccessful, he faced execution or years in prison. Then, for eight years, he well led this country from its birth. None of that is even mentioned there.