In the Unrest of Implication: Museum Education Methods in Atmospheres of Scandalization

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this essay, we explore ways in which cultural and museum spaces can be opened up to meaningful discussions about difficult topics and how this can be done through specific educational formats. We attempt to look critically at some of the assumptions that are around in critical museum education theory and practices, e.g. influences coming from standpoint theory. The goal is to understand our own unconscious biases as we develop methods to help address problematic issues such as racism and anti-Semitism. We argue that these biases are shaped by a logic of dichotomy that allows to position oneself on “the good side.” Especially in an atmosphere of scandalization, these dichotomies might hinder mutual learning situations. We propose using Michael Rothberg’s concept of the “implicated subject” to develop approaches and methods that move beyond dichotomous thinking patterns. We will try to illustrate our reflection process with three examples that also show that taking (one’s own) implication seriously has unsettling effects that can stall the development of methods that seek to open spaces also for conflictual discussions.