Posted by
Lisa Original on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 12:27:34 PM
In recent years, the Colorado Historical Society has taken pains to modify its displays in an effort to be more inclusive and sensitive. However, one group of people who made contributions to the State's history seem to be excluded from the PC treatment: pioneers and settlers with Western European heritage, particular the male gender.
Recently the CHS open and exhibit capturing the contributions of Italian immigrants and their families to the growth of Denver and the history of Colorado. I attended the premier event, as did the Italian vice consul, and many members of the American-Italian community who sponsored the event. Following is a letter I have sent to Georgianna Contiguglia, the president of the CHS, concerning what I feel was a huge faux pas.
Dear Ms. Contiguglia,
As a member of the Colorado Historical Society, I had the pleasure of attending the preview event for the “Italians of Denver” exhibit last Thursday, 19 April. I think the event was well staged, and the exhibit a worthy one. It was my observation that all who attended enjoyed the exhibit, and demonstrated a great pride in the contributions of Italian immigrants to the Denver community and to the prosperity of Colorado.
I was very disappointed, however, to see upon entering the museum book store a prominent display of tee-shirts that held a tasteless message. In the exhibit I had just exited was a piece discussing the Columbus day parade and the strong feelings currently surrounding the parade. Yet, here at the entrance of the museum store was the display of tee-shirts depicting a group of Native American warriors with the caption “Native Americans: Fighting terrorism since 14xx”. Frankly, I think it was insensitive and insulting to have that particular tee-shirt, with its thinly veiled negative reference to Columbus, so prominently displayed at an event premiering an exhibit supposedly honoring the Italian immigrants’ positive contributions to Colorado, and with so many attending who proudly claim that heritage.
I waited a few days to write this letter to you, as I wanted to make sure that I was not overreacting to the situation. I suppose others walked past this display and thought nothing of it. Yet, even after letting it be for a few days, I still feel compelled to bring this to your attention. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider my comments.