The Etownian >> News
High Library to host THEM exhibit
Thursday February 14 2008
High Library is proud to host “THEM: Images of Separation” from the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University. THEM is a combination of stereotypical and racist memorabilia from the Museum. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Office of the Provost, this traveling art exhibit will be on display from Feb. 19-26.
An opening reception will be held at 6 p.m. with a feature performance by the Fully Devoted Gospel Choir, which is an initiative of the Office of Diversity.
Following the performance, a panel discussion is planned to begin at 7 p.m. The exhibit as well as the reception is open to the public free of charge.
This 35-piece exhibit of artifacts displays stereotypes by portraying negative imagery. These artifacts represent diverse sources of stereotypical images against Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Jews, poor whites, and those who are ‘other’ in terms of sexual orientation or body type.
These framed pieces of license plates, games, souvenirs, costumes, and multiple postcards present some extremely controversial issues such as anti-Arab sentiment, Holocaust denial, “don’t ask, don’t tell” and immigration.
This exhibition is the sequel to the successful exposition of “Hateful Things.” The imagery presented in “Hateful Things” was specifically undignified to blacks.
According to David Pilgrim, Ferris professor of Social Sciences, “THEM: Images of Separation” is a logical succession for the Jim Crow Museum.
Pilgrim also added that based on the famous quote by Martin Luther King Jr. which says, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” this exhibition spreads awareness of stereotypes that exist in society.
Although the display consists of items demeaning to blacks, it poses more than just a black/white issue and shows that discrimination and stereotypes are more pervasive than that and it can stem from the most minute difference.
The foundation that sparked the idea of these objects is fundamentally anything that lets one person differentiate between social groups because of minor disparities.
Diane Elliot, Director of Diversity at Elizabethtown College, commented on the exhibition by stating that the Office of Diversity requested permission from Ferris State University to bring this traveling exhibit to the Elizabethtown College campus to provide its students with this opportunity to learn.
She also added that the artifacts could prove to be a helpful educational tool is assisting students to understand “how stereotypical and racist images can influence individual perceptions about minority populations.”
She believes it is a good exhibit to introduce during Black Heritage Month and hopes that faculty will bring their classes to the library to experience this traveling exhibit.
This would also support the Elizabethtown College motto, “Educate for Service,” as it links classroom instruction with experiential learning and focuses on comprehending cross-cultural perspectives.
Upon asking how many spectators may view the exhibit, Rachel Hadrick, coordinator of multicultural programs, said, “There are no specific numbers we are expecting but we hope and assume that the display would be a huge success and students would be interested in taking advantage of this event.”
Come to High Library between Feb 19-26 and celebrate black Heritage Month by encountering this learning experience.
For more information call the Office of Diversity.
The Etownian >> News