"Loving, Knowing Ignorance": A Problem for the Educational Mission of Museums. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gilbert, Lisa
• Is Part Of: Curator. Volume 59:Number 2(2016:Apr.)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 140
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Natural history museums -- Periodicals; 069.05
• DOI: 10.1111/cura.12153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0011-3069

Abstract

Abstract: In this essay, I suggest that Mariana Ortega's concept of "loving, knowing ignorance" (2006) provides a useful conceptual tool for museum practitioners who seek to advance a progressive mission. This form of ignorance assumes authority in describing and acting on behalf of a subject, even as it fails to take seriously the subject's self‐knowledge and agency. While Ortega initially coined this term to describe the stance of white feminists toward women of color, here I extend the concept to describe a wider range of knowers—in this case, the institutional museum. Using a case study at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to illustrate this problem, I will suggest that becoming aware of instances of loving, knowing ignorance and learning to avoid it is a key skill for museum professionals who hope for their institutions to fulfill their educational mission in a diverse and democratic society.