2nd November 2005, 10:24 PM
Quote:quote: Raksha might inspire a whole new generation of archaeologists from ethnic backgrounds. But at the end of the day you can take a horse to water but you can't make them drink....
David Lammy makes the observation that 'the crisis of Britishness' where many Brits from minority ethic groups feel alienated from the mainstream of British culture is a challenge to the heritage sector. He states '..if you are not part of the solution to this crisis of Britishness, you are part of the problem'.
He also says, 'Heritage comes from the same root as inheritance. It's about what we want to pass on to future generations. Our responsibility for heritage extends not just to the preservation of ancient bricks and mortar but to the custodianship of a legacy of ideas about Britain and Britishness'.
'When I meet leaders of cultural organisations I am far too often the only black person in the room. The argument that there is not a sufficient pool of ...talent to draw on simply does not wash. There are countless creative, experienced and qualified black men and women up and down the country ready to rise to the challenge, but all too often they are held down by glass ceilings and institutional prejudices'
'Until the workforce of our cultural institutions is more reflective of society as a whole they will be falling short of their obligations as bodies in receipt of funding raised by universal taxation'.
It seems that at least one Labour Minister wants to make discussion of some of the central tenets of culture and heritage policy part of this current government's agenda. And maybe that's not such a bad thing. The lack of progress in broadening the cultural origins of the heritage workforce could appear to be interpreted as complacency on the part of the existing employees. Archaeology should begin to address this problem before we become as outdated in cultural terms as the once popular 'Black and White Minstrel Show' (My view not Mr Lammy's, I hasten to add).
Perhaps as a starter universities could add 'Discuss' to any of the points he raises and include in next years Archaeology finals.