The British Museum’s attempt to participate in a worldwide publicity stunt has backfired tremendously, as they have revealed that they steer clear from too many Asian names since they “can be confusing”.
The tweet was in response to a question posited by the Sydney Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences during the worldwide #AskACurator event, wherein museums all over the globe answered burning questions from inquisitive minds.
How do you go about designing exhibition labels and information that are accessible to a wider range of people? #AskACurator
And although several curators responded to this inquest, the British Museum’s “Keeper of Asia”, Jane, soon found her answer standing head and shoulders above the rest — for the wrong reason.
… We aim to be understandable by 16 year olds. Sometimes Asian names can be confusing, so we have to be careful about using too many.
…which were, again, met with dissatisfaction from Twitter users.
aren’t you supposed to be an institute of knowledge? shouldnt you be about teaching 16yr old’s Asian names instead of perpetuating ignorance https://t.co/5vJV9pCYW8
Sure, let’s display riches from countries we colonised, but using their names or recognising Asian 16 year olds exist is a step too far. https://t.co/VayYqzAc4O
Kids 16 & under know Harry Potter spells, GoT characters, Pokémon & Dinosaurs. If they don’t understand Asian names, maybe help them learn? https://t.co/qCY4dBFT1h
Perhaps the British Museum will think twice before participating in the next #AskACurator event; hopefully, this experience has challenged them to consider using more “Asian names” in the future.
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