A Reflection on "Culturally Specific Museums"

I am in a profession that I love. But, sometimes I find it very difficult to be in this profession. Museums are not neutral. We should be using our platform to address structural injustices, oppression, racism, and abuses of power. I think about what was said by Dr. Johnnetta Cole and Stephanie A. Johnson-Cunningham, we term ourselves as “culturally specific museums” but specific to one culture, the white culture. 

For years, I have worked to address the injustices we face as Indigenous people, as BIPoCs, both academically and in life. Acknowledging my own privileges as a middle-class, well educated, able-bodied, heterosexual cis-gendered person. And I’m still learning. 

I have created my own DEAI programming in hope of educating others about the social, historical, and political injustices of marginalized groups; and...well I am tired (emotional labor is real!), I often tell myself. Why am I doing this work for you? You should be doing this yourself! 

Yet, I move along, continuing to include this work throughout my academic and professional life. But I wonder have I done anything at all? Will this work ever end? Probably not. 

And you’re all probably wondering where I am going with this. 

I just finished day three of a virtual museum conference, who readjusted their program to include racism and the role of the museum field as their theme for this year, and i’m not mad about it, because, well FINALLY! But this just led me to think about my own profession, where I stand within this field, and am i really taking action? 

This week has been a whirlwind of emotions for me. As it has been for everyone. But, with emotion comes reflection, and it has been a real moment of reflection for me.