Birds in Flight

Chapter six describes group inclusion within museums. Silverman looks at groups with common identities (e.g., physically disabled, gender, age) and how museums develop partnerships. She opens the chapter by asking “How do museums propel groups?” (113). What follows is a discussion of the process to which museums can help groups and their individuals feel empowered and valued in society.

Museums, as social work agents, should partner with groups and search for common goals and outcomes. Through such efforts museums are helping to create dialog which addresses societal differences. The potential in these discussions is to expand them to a larger, societal framework. Through such dialog groups may notice the paradox of groups being both actors within and enforcers of social norms. Museums are no exception.

Silverman quickly concludes this chapter with a discussion on linkage. She summates that museums serve as social glue between groups and their individuals. Through this link-making, museums with social work agencies blur the boundaries between displaying cultural property and offering opportunities for individual growth.

Silverman’s choice to use the title Birds in Flight feels un-uniquely fit for museums. Museums may act as another group (or bird) partnering with other groups, but this behavior is not localized to our cultural institutions. Organizational behaviors like representing specific demographics can be achieved elsewhere, as well.

What makes museums special on the social level is their central mission to display and discuss cultural identities across a variety of mediums through a multitude of voices. Such efforts, as Silverman points out, can lead to greater group appreciation and a shift in personal perception or values. Museums act as the catalyst for community dialog and personal reflection.

Birds in Flight helped me focus my perception of museums as social actors. I was reminded that museums are subjected to the same social norms as other community groups. That is, museums may act against social norms, but will also reinforce stereotypes of other or similar groups. Knowing this helps me to consider how museums serve their greater communities. As social actors, museums are constantly butting heads with themselves as they attempt to represent their constituents without under representing others. Applying this lesson to my future professional will include incorporating more voices within a museum and attempting to challenge my employer to seek new audiences in new ways.