The Playgoer: Why Arts Blogs Are Necessary

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Why Arts Blogs Are Necessary

"The Smithsonian is an institution that is an instrument of Congress. That's a very important thing. It's an institution that needs to engage people across the board. If you're a public museum in a city, you have an audience. The Smithsonian's audience is a nationwide audience...At the same time, we recognize that the Smithsonian is a place, especially as we move in new directions, where we're going to have controversy over our exhibitions....In making a decision at the Smithsonian, you have to consult as many people as you can. And that takes time, whereas the bloggers go to work right away. They can heighten and inflame an issue and it can get out of control before you ever have a chance to think seriously about what you're going to do."

-Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough on who to really blame for his decision to censor the National Portrait Gallery's "Hide/Seek" exhibit on gay artists through history--bloggers.

So bigoted culture-warrior congressmen and phony self-appointed community spokesmen, complain away! (After all, you are our "nationwide audience.") But if all you have is a Google account and you're on the left, then stop having a hissy fit and let the adults decide what is the "right" thing to do.

Yes, don't listen to people who want to "heighten and inflame" an issue beyond reason.  Listen to Bill Donohue!

1 comment:

Scott Walters said...

This is why people like G. Wayne Clough need to do the work to understand their "why" -- because decisions have to be made quickly, and if your sense of ethics is the result of what other people tell you, then you are totally screwed. Welcome to the 21st century, Wayne -- this is the speed life moves at.