PRESS RELEASE:
A DEMONSTRATION AT THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
ON WEDNESDAY September 13, 2006 FROM 12:30 PM until approximately 2:00 PM I will continue the campaign against the Body Worlds exhibit at the Museum of Science exhibit by demonstrating at the Museum. The exhibit consists of 200 real human bodies that have been flayed and plasticized. While there, I will announce the availability of a study guide suitable for classroom or individual use that will help to study the ethical questions posed by this and similar exhibits. In addition to several different topics for individual or group study and discussion, I will include a comprehensive list of references to aid in the learning process as well as some suggestions for finding more material. The study/activity guide is will be especially suitable for middle and high school use. Adults may also profit from it, particularly the leaders of the Museum of Science. Sadly, one of the prime audiences for these exhibits is school children. Rest assured, the museum is not going out of its way to make students or teachers aware of the ethical questions.
Why I am so opposed to this and similar exhibits? I believe it is wrong to exploit the bodies of the deceased to bring in the crowds. These exhibits are extremely depersonalizing. Our remains should be treated with dignity and respect to honor the living soul that they once contained. You will hear that the exhibit is educational. This is a smoke screen, since the educating could just as well have been done without the use of “real” human bodies. The news media, Hollywood, and even museums teach us without the use of real objects all the time. You will hear “but we have permission from the donors of the bodies.” In a nutshell, my answer is “So what?” It is very sad that renowned institutions such as the Museum of Science feel it necessary to take cover behind the dead. When one local newspaper consulted the director of bioethics at Iowa State University he did not agree with my opposition, but he did agree that I raised a serious issue. Clark Wolf said, “While I am not convinced that the Museum should cancel the exhibit, I think that you are certainly right to raise the ethical issues involved in this display. I thank you for your efforts to do this.” The Museum has buried its head in the sand. Is it possible, in their heart of hearts that the leaders of the Museum agree with my position?
I have demonstrated several times in front of the museum. I have also created a website, recently updated, that fully explains my opposition. I have received support from several individuals both from Massachusetts and elsewhere. See the comments page on the web site. The public has a right to know why the exhibit is “controversial.”
Recently I have realized that this is a countrywide and a worldwide issue, since there are multiple exhibits traveling from place to place. If you are an editor, therefore, I can assure that the story has legs.
Contact information:
Aaron Ginsburg, SHARON, MA 02067
E-mail: dignityinboston@gmail.com
Web site: http://dignityinboston.googlepages.com/home
First Press Release:
Announcing a campaign to stop the exhibit Bodyworlds2 from appearing at the Boston Museum of Science.
The campaign will start with a PRESS CONFERENCE in front of the Museum at 11:00 AM, Wednesday June 7, 2006. Aaron Ginsburg of SHARON, MA 02067 will read a short statement discussing his opposition to this exhibit. He will than be glad to answer any questions. A small informational package will be given to members of the press.
The announcement will be followed by brief informational picketing, weather permitting.
If you have any questions, Mr. Ginsburg can be contacted by e-mail at dignityinboston@gmail.com
Website:
http://homepage.mac.com/readers/dignityinboston/dignityinboston.html