Museum of Tolerance

MouseWife · 05-05-2006, 11:24 AM

I know I am not on here a lot and I am going to be only able to check this thread now and again but I know you all are great with giving advice about your experiences and I do need some advice with this.

My son is in 6th grade and will be going on a field trip to The Museum of Tolerance. I know they are reading a book, I am not sure 100% but something about 'Stars' {I even have the book but let him have it and haven't see it since...}...

I digress, sorry.

Are there any exibits that I ought to avoid? Any that I should prepare him for? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I am planning on bringing a notepad for him to take notes and write down any questions and thoughts he has during the trip. I think it is such a real situation that it requires more than just 'We went, we're home' attitude.

So, in advance, thank you guys for any opinions and advice.

Alex · 05-05-2006, 11:31 AM

I've never been there so I can't offer any advice. But I was just looking at their web site and have to wonder if the name isn't a misnomer. Isn't it really a Museum of Intolerance? Kind of like calling the torture room at the wax museum a "Museum of Humanely Extracting Information."

I see it is an interactive museum. I'm not sure what they do to make 11 year-olds interact with the Holocause but you might want to talk to the teacher about what your son can expect. Otherwise it sounds like you're doing what you can. Be prepared to deal with his questions.

MouseWife · 05-05-2006, 11:59 AM

Thank you, Alex, for posting.

I whole heartedly agree with you. When I heard they were going I was totally confused as to why. I feel they are too young.

My sons teacher {of the 4 6th grade teachers} agrees with me but he was outnumbered.

I think that what the principal is trying to do is good intentioned but over doing it.

I think they think they are going to teach the children what intolerance can do. We live in a widely Hispanic neighborhood and with all of the recent goings on I think this may be part of it. I may be wrong.

Also, I think they see normal actions of kids this age of making friends with some and not others 'intolerance'. That makes me angry and I've told the principal myself, we are all free to choose our friends. I am sorry if a child is having a hard time, but, it isn't my childs' job to be everyones friend, either.

Is that cold? Perhaps but I don't think I am intolerant.

So, yes, I really think I need to go. I worry they will try and use scare tactics OR they don't have a CLUE as to what the heck they are getting themselves in to.

And, thanks for the idea of going to the website. I will have to do that tonight.

flippyshark · 05-05-2006, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

I've never been there so I can't offer any advice. But I was just looking at their web site and have to wonder if the name isn't a misnomer. Isn't it really a Museum of Intolerance? Kind of like calling the torture room at the wax museum a "Museum of Humanely Extracting Information.

I don't see it as a misnomer at all. It's a museum in support of tolerance, demonstrated by showing the extremes of intolerance. I'm sure that intent is made clear to visitors.

I guess you could rename it Museum of Intolerance, but that might make it sound like a celebration of intolerance, rather than a reproach. (And your re-naming of the torture room is a good example of evil doublespeak, but I don't think this museum's name qualifies. At least I hope not.)

I am curious as to how this goes over with a sixth grade class. I'm inclined to think that they may be too young for it.

Alex · 05-05-2006, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flippyshark

I don't see it as a misnomer at all. It's a museum in support of tolerance, demonstrated by showing the extremes of intolerance. I'm sure that intent is made clear to visitors.

Oh, I don't think it is a big deal. But in the construction "The Museum of X" X is generally what is on display, not the mission behind the display.

Ghoulish Delight · 05-05-2006, 01:03 PM

Note, my view may be skewed, having grown up Jewish and thus having already been exposed to most of the themes presented at the museum pretty much since I was born.

But, that being said, 6th grade is about the age it's aimed at, I feel. The information is certainly intense at times, but that's the point. It's been a while since I've gone, but I don't remember it being heavy on graphic shock-value stuff. There's some, you can't tell the story of the Holocause with it, but it's not the main focus. Just enough to get the point across that the consequences of intolerance were quite real. It's purpose isn't to scare or frighten. It's about awareness.

As for what to talk about beforehand, if he doesn't know already, it would be good to be aware of what the Holocaust was. It's only a portion of the museum, but it's the most intense (obviously). As long as it's not his first exposure to it, the museum should just reinforce how real it was.

flippyshark · 05-05-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MouseWife

I know they are reading a book, I am not sure 100% but something about 'Stars' {I even have the book but let him have it and haven't see it since...}...

I imagine it's NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry, a Newberry Award winner. If he has already read and appreciated that book, he is probably well prepared for the museum, actually.

Is this the same kid in the red shirt who ended up in about 90 per cent of my Universal backlot photos?

innerSpaceman · 05-05-2006, 07:01 PM

I've never been inside (I'm ashamed to say), but I pass by the place each and every day on my way to work. There are always, amost daily, crowds of young school kids outside in the morning. Makes me assume that it's pretty youngster appropriate ... 'cause they just keep coming and coming.

Alex, I think your idea for museum nomenclature, alas like most museums, is anachronistic.

Alex · 05-05-2006, 08:05 PM

That may be, I haven't been in a museum in a decade probably (though that will change soon), so I wouldn't be surprised. But I'm trying to think of another example where "The Museum of X" does not have X be what is on display. What would they call it if they did open a museum that displayed artificacts of tolerance?

Like I said, though, it really isn't an important issue and if I weren't replying anyway would never have said it. It just struck me.

*Edited to add: That's not true. I visited the single remaining residence of our 11th president, James K. Polk, in 2003. It is in Columbus (Columbia?), Tennessee, and you'll be walked around the place by a very, very old but nice man.

flippyshark · 05-05-2006, 08:24 PM

I am guessing the museum does also include artifacts of tolerance. I don't know what these would include, not having been there, but surely documents and images related to the passing of civil rights law, liberation of concentration camps, and so on. It would behoove them to tell the whole story and not end the experience on an unresolved downer. (Also, it would be hard to find artifacts of tolerance that were not connected to its opposite. It's a story that has to be told via stark relief.)

The Mutter Museum in Philadelphia has no Mutters, but lots of amazing medical abberations and curiousities. Likewise, the Rijksmuseum might not have any rijks. (okay, just being silly)

05-05-2006, 11:24 AM	#1
MouseWife Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Da' Beach Posts: 2,957	Museum of Tolerance I know I am not on here a lot and I am going to be only able to check this thread now and again but I know you all are great with giving advice about your experiences and I do need some advice with this. My son is in 6th grade and will be going on a field trip to The Museum of Tolerance. I know they are reading a book, I am not sure 100% but something about 'Stars' {I even have the book but let him have it and haven't see it since...}... I digress, sorry. Are there any exibits that I ought to avoid? Any that I should prepare him for? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I am planning on bringing a notepad for him to take notes and write down any questions and thoughts he has during the trip. I think it is such a real situation that it requires more than just 'We went, we're home' attitude. So, in advance, thank you guys for any opinions and advice. __________________ Summa' time....when the livins' easy.........
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05-05-2006, 11:31 AM	#2
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	I've never been there so I can't offer any advice. But I was just looking at their web site and have to wonder if the name isn't a misnomer. Isn't it really a Museum of Intolerance? Kind of like calling the torture room at the wax museum a "Museum of Humanely Extracting Information." I see it is an interactive museum. I'm not sure what they do to make 11 year-olds interact with the Holocause but you might want to talk to the teacher about what your son can expect. Otherwise it sounds like you're doing what you can. Be prepared to deal with his questions.
	Submit to Quotes

05-05-2006, 11:59 AM	#3
MouseWife Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Da' Beach Posts: 2,957	Thank you, Alex, for posting. I whole heartedly agree with you. When I heard they were going I was totally confused as to why. I feel they are too young. My sons teacher {of the 4 6th grade teachers} agrees with me but he was outnumbered. I think that what the principal is trying to do is good intentioned but over doing it. I think they think they are going to teach the children what intolerance can do. We live in a widely Hispanic neighborhood and with all of the recent goings on I think this may be part of it. I may be wrong. Also, I think they see normal actions of kids this age of making friends with some and not others 'intolerance'. That makes me angry and I've told the principal myself, we are all free to choose our friends. I am sorry if a child is having a hard time, but, it isn't my childs' job to be everyones friend, either. Is that cold? Perhaps but I don't think I am intolerant. So, yes, I really think I need to go. I worry they will try and use scare tactics OR they don't have a CLUE as to what the heck they are getting themselves in to. And, thanks for the idea of going to the website. I will have to do that tonight. __________________ Summa' time....when the livins' easy.........
	Submit to Quotes

05-05-2006, 01:03 PM	#6
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Note, my view may be skewed, having grown up Jewish and thus having already been exposed to most of the themes presented at the museum pretty much since I was born. But, that being said, 6th grade is about the age it's aimed at, I feel. The information is certainly intense at times, but that's the point. It's been a while since I've gone, but I don't remember it being heavy on graphic shock-value stuff. There's some, you can't tell the story of the Holocause with it, but it's not the main focus. Just enough to get the point across that the consequences of intolerance were quite real. It's purpose isn't to scare or frighten. It's about awareness. As for what to talk about beforehand, if he doesn't know already, it would be good to be aware of what the Holocaust was. It's only a portion of the museum, but it's the most intense (obviously). As long as it's not his first exposure to it, the museum should just reinforce how real it was. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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05-05-2006, 07:01 PM	#8
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	I've never been inside (I'm ashamed to say), but I pass by the place each and every day on my way to work. There are always, amost daily, crowds of young school kids outside in the morning. Makes me assume that it's pretty youngster appropriate ... 'cause they just keep coming and coming. Alex, I think your idea for museum nomenclature, alas like most museums, is anachronistic. Last edited by innerSpaceman : 05-05-2006 at 10:14 PM.
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05-05-2006, 08:05 PM	#9
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	That may be, I haven't been in a museum in a decade probably (though that will change soon), so I wouldn't be surprised. But I'm trying to think of another example where "The Museum of X" does not have X be what is on display. What would they call it if they did open a museum that displayed artificacts of tolerance? Like I said, though, it really isn't an important issue and if I weren't replying anyway would never have said it. It just struck me. *Edited to add: That's not true. I visited the single remaining residence of our 11th president, James K. Polk, in 2003. It is in Columbus (Columbia?), Tennessee, and you'll be walked around the place by a very, very old but nice man.
	Submit to Quotes

05-05-2006, 08:24 PM	#10
flippyshark Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,852	I am guessing the museum does also include artifacts of tolerance. I don't know what these would include, not having been there, but surely documents and images related to the passing of civil rights law, liberation of concentration camps, and so on. It would behoove them to tell the whole story and not end the experience on an unresolved downer. (Also, it would be hard to find artifacts of tolerance that were not connected to its opposite. It's a story that has to be told via stark relief.) The Mutter Museum in Philadelphia has no Mutters, but lots of amazing medical abberations and curiousities. Likewise, the Rijksmuseum might not have any rijks. (okay, just being silly)
	Submit to Quotes