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| The Museum of Science and Industry |
That’s awesome!
However... there’s a catch: its name is being changed to the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
As someone who is passionate about STEM, I think that science and scientific knowledge should be the property of the people, and shouldn’t necessarily have a name attached to it, unless direct contributions have been made (Einstein, Newton, etc.). MSI’s website states: “Museum leadership, along with the Board of Trustees, felt that this naming recognition was the most appropriate way to convey our gratitude for this gift…”
If Ken really is the philanthropist that he claims to be, he wouldn’t want to have his name on display for everyone to see. For example, I’ve been to the museum countless times, and I also served on the Teen Advisory Committee this summer. As far as I know, there is only a meeting room named after Julius Rosenwald; no other places mention the founder’s name.
Some locals don’t care, and others are quite irked. Knowing Chicago’s stubbornness, we might just ignore the addition and it’ll become another Sears Tower. I did enjoy how the MSI was once devoted to catering pure science, and was associated with signature exhibits like the U-boat. That’s not to say that benefactors shouldn't be appreciated, but this recent name change appears to reflect some shift in the museum’s values.
What do you think about the change: Is it good? Horrible? Do you even care? Share your thoughts below.
What do you think about the change: Is it good? Horrible? Do you even care? Share your thoughts below.
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ReplyDeleteHello, Jonathan! My name is Ms. Blair and I have been observing your classroom for the past few weeks. I will also be student teaching in your class this winter. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your classmates throughout this school year!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I agree with you. The MSI is an important cultural institution and symbol of knowledge and progress for millions of people in and around Chicago, so I am uncomfortable with the idea of naming it after a single donor.
You mention that a shift in values may be responsible for the change. What specific values are shifting here? Is the shift permanent, or can the museum's values change again?