tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2279702635216618752.post260304396475692331..comments2022-01-28T11:06:32.229-05:00Comments on MUSINGS: TUESDAY NEWS DAY: CENSORSHIP IN CANADA'S HUMAN RIGHTS MUSEUMMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04477730106254300631noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2279702635216618752.post-12151694818093384832014-03-14T11:22:18.896-04:002014-03-14T11:22:18.896-04:00Great discussion! I'm from Winnipeg originally...Great discussion! I'm from Winnipeg originally, and I'm really hopeful that CMHR will - as you say, Brittney - fulfil its opportunity to be something really great, but there have been so many unsettling issues already... and it won't even be open for another 7 months! Frankly, I'm not altogether shocked by what has transpired so far, from the debate over content and inclusion of permanent galleries to the naming of Stuart Murray as CEO, considering the history of questionable actions by Gail Asper over the previous decade. That said, the censoring of Strong-Boag has forced a public discussion about what the political motivations of the museum's management might actually be - and to whom management might actually be accountable to. Can't say it shines a particularly flattering light on my hometown.gbbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03460283758788058900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2279702635216618752.post-85373058826326240902014-03-11T15:53:54.014-04:002014-03-11T15:53:54.014-04:00Great comment Lily, thank you. I completely agree ...Great comment Lily, thank you. I completely agree with your point that if the CMHR isn't an appropriate place to engage in these critical dialogues, where is? Perhaps that is what is most disappointing about this situation. However, I think the CMHR (even still) has an opportunity to be something really great for Canada, and ideally, set an example internationally for how we can engage with difficult knowledge in public forums like museums and foster awareness and, most importantly, dialogue. <br /><br />While the situation between the Communications department and Strong-Boag was very unfortunate, I'm really curious to see what the CMHR's exhibits will look like when the museum opens. Who knows, perhaps the CMHR's other staff involved in presenting museum content will have a more appropriate, effective, and even critical way of addressing the history/current state of different human rights themes through their exhibitions and programming.<br />Fingers crossed, anyway.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08064552626355462893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2279702635216618752.post-37422548703266705302014-03-11T12:32:00.763-04:002014-03-11T12:32:00.763-04:00"....mmmmm...perhaps some clarification is in..."....mmmmm...perhaps some clarification is in order regarding what exactly constitutes an "anecdotal" and unpolitical human rights theme/experience. (Is that even possible?)"<br /><br />I think you're bang on here, Brittney. Further, is it even desirable? I would suggest that restricting discussion about human rights using such criteria has, historically (and currently?), hindered both our understanding of and ability to make positive advances concerning issues of human rights. I, for one, don't think you can "foster an appreciation for the importance of human rights" without asking some tough questions, exploring tensions through dialogue, and adopting a critical and informed perspective. This unfortunate situation seems to be in direct opposition to the CMHR's mandate. <br /><br />A CMHR spokesperson wrote to Strong-Boag: "We regret that we have missed an opportunity". I couldn't agree more. If the CMHR isn't an appropriate place to engage in critical dialogue, where is?Lily Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07523382136425653043noreply@blogger.com