So!! What are we to make of all this??
Hey Folks,
The story below presents an interesting situation. We are told that the Smithsonian planned an exhibit to "pay tribute to influential Americans," but that two Washington churchgoers and two of their congressmen "complained that it portrayed Mormon church founders in a negative light"; specifically they objected to the text saying Joseph Smith was "lynched" and Brigham Young was a "tyrant."
The museum made changes.
Now here is the interesting part: WAS Smith "lynched" and WAS Young a "tyrant"? Important questions!! and ones the reporter should have investigated.
If the two leaders have been misrepresented, then the objection is justified, and the Smithsonian's capitulation is honorable.
But if Smith WAS lynched and/or Young WAS a tyrant the museum's action is a disservice to truth and history - and, indeed, the future; just one more mundane example of the rampant sacrifice of reality on the altar of "let's pretend; it makes me feel much better."
My guess (and fuzzy recollection) is that Smith WAS lynched. The word is pretty precise, and the onus of any lynching is on the mob, not the victim. I find it beyond disgusting when a national repository of history, culture, and science warps the truth because a few ignoramuses either don't understand the language or are afraid of the truth.
And this is nothing new; the Smithsonian has done it before.
- Uke Man
Complaints prompt change in Mormon exhibit
SALT LAKE CITY - AP - Smithsonian Museum curators changed a new gallery exhibit after two Utah congressmen and others complained that it portrayed Mormon church founders in a negative light.
The National Portrait Gallery's American Origins display pays tribute to influential Americans from 1600 to 1900, including Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Brigham Young, the second leader of the faith, who led the emigration into what would become Utah.
The text accompanying portraits of Smith and Young offended at least two Washington-area church members who got a sneak preview of the display. The text reportedly said Smith was "lynched" and Young was a "tyrant."
The church members notified Republicans Sen. Bob Bennett and Rep. Rob Bishop, whose offices contacted the museum.
Bethany Bentley, spokeswoman for the National Portrait Gallery, confirmed that changes were made based on the complaints.
"It's very common (to make changes) and it happens with many of our labels," she said.
Bentley said changes were under way before Bennett's office called and that all were made before the gallery opened July 1.
The story below presents an interesting situation. We are told that the Smithsonian planned an exhibit to "pay tribute to influential Americans," but that two Washington churchgoers and two of their congressmen "complained that it portrayed Mormon church founders in a negative light"; specifically they objected to the text saying Joseph Smith was "lynched" and Brigham Young was a "tyrant."
The museum made changes.
Now here is the interesting part: WAS Smith "lynched" and WAS Young a "tyrant"? Important questions!! and ones the reporter should have investigated.
If the two leaders have been misrepresented, then the objection is justified, and the Smithsonian's capitulation is honorable.
But if Smith WAS lynched and/or Young WAS a tyrant the museum's action is a disservice to truth and history - and, indeed, the future; just one more mundane example of the rampant sacrifice of reality on the altar of "let's pretend; it makes me feel much better."
My guess (and fuzzy recollection) is that Smith WAS lynched. The word is pretty precise, and the onus of any lynching is on the mob, not the victim. I find it beyond disgusting when a national repository of history, culture, and science warps the truth because a few ignoramuses either don't understand the language or are afraid of the truth.
And this is nothing new; the Smithsonian has done it before.
- Uke Man
Complaints prompt change in Mormon exhibit
SALT LAKE CITY - AP - Smithsonian Museum curators changed a new gallery exhibit after two Utah congressmen and others complained that it portrayed Mormon church founders in a negative light.
The National Portrait Gallery's American Origins display pays tribute to influential Americans from 1600 to 1900, including Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Brigham Young, the second leader of the faith, who led the emigration into what would become Utah.
The text accompanying portraits of Smith and Young offended at least two Washington-area church members who got a sneak preview of the display. The text reportedly said Smith was "lynched" and Young was a "tyrant."
The church members notified Republicans Sen. Bob Bennett and Rep. Rob Bishop, whose offices contacted the museum.
Bethany Bentley, spokeswoman for the National Portrait Gallery, confirmed that changes were made based on the complaints.
"It's very common (to make changes) and it happens with many of our labels," she said.
Bentley said changes were under way before Bennett's office called and that all were made before the gallery opened July 1.
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