Traveling Exhibition - THEM: Images of Separation
View the Traveling Exhibit "THEM"
"THEM: Images of Separation," is a traveling exhibition that showcases items from popular culture used to stereotype different groups. The negative imagery -- found on postcards, license plates, games, souvenirs and costumes -- promoted stereotyping against such groups as Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Jews and poor whites, as well as those who are "other" in terms of body type or sexual orientation.
The exhibition follows up the success of the "Hateful Things" exhibition, comprised of artifacts from Ferris' Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia. Ferris professor of Social Sciences David Pilgrim said "THEM" responds to questions he received from people who saw the previous exhibition, which focused specifically on imagery demeaning to African-Americans.
"In the past we had people ask why did we not have objects that dealt with groups other than African-Americans," Pilgrim said. "For this show, we took our direction from Martin Luther King's famous quote, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' This is the next logical step for the Jim Crow Museum."
Through 35 separate framed pieces (some with multiple items, such as postcards), "THEM" tackles some of the most contentious, cultural hot-button issues: anti-Arab sentiment, Holocaust denial, "don't ask, don't tell" and immigration.
The exhibition also includes items demeaning to African-Americans, but that is only a part of the exhibition's larger picture. "I'm hoping 'THEM' shows discrimination and stereotyping is not just a black/white issue -- it's more pervasive than that," said Pilgrim.
Exhibition includes:
- 35 pieces
- Didactic Panels
Installation requirements:
- Minimum linear wall space of 150 feet
- Minimum floor space of 300 feet
- Proper lighting and security
Exhibition period:
- Minimum 1 week
- Maximum 12 weeks
Host institution fees:
- $500.00 per week
($200.00 per week discount for educational institutions)
- All shipping costs*
- Insurance
- A $100.00 non-refundable deposit to book the exhibit is required.
Shipping options available:
- Host institution picks up and returns exhibit.
- Exhibit delivered via professional shipping company.
Exhibition and Museum Contacts
For information on booking Traveling Exhibits, including scheduling and hosting costs, contact the Museum Office at jimcrowmuseum@ferris.edu or (231) 591-5873.
The Jim Crow Museum
In addition to creating "THEM," Ferris State University is currently fundraising to provide an expanded permanent facility to exhibit the museum's 4,000-plus-item collection on its Big Rapids campus.
When completed, the new Jim Crow Museum will take visitors on a journey through the history of racism in America through display of its artifacts, expanded signage and audio-visual documentation. Moving from wrenching images of violence against African Americans, through stereotyping by such figures as Uncle Tom and the Coon Chicken Inn Porter, to the achievements of African Americans in a wide range of fields, the museum will both celebrate African American achievements and bear witness.
For information on participating in the capital campaign or donating funds to the new Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia facility, contact the museum at (231) 591-5873 or by email at jimcrowmuseum@ferris.edu.
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