The Play of the Unmentionable: What We Don't Talk About and Should

Abstract

In our increasingly connected and pluralistic world society, museums increasingly avoid topics that offend vocal advocates for religious and cultural equality. Sex, particularly sexual violence and discrimination against women and girls, is perhaps the most avoided subject. The future safety and health of our collective world community depends on dialogue that opens us to the possibility of considering bolder presentations on these issues. Moreover, museums must provide leadership by choosing to provoke controversy and more active discussion by displaying material that challenges society's conservative tendencies.

Keywords:

• Museums
• Controversy
• Multi-cultural
• Sex
• Violence
• Political-correctness

About the Author

Hooley McLaughlin has curated exhibitions for thirty years and is currently Chief Science Officer and Vice President, Ontario Science Centre & Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto.