Museum Tackles Painful Stereotypes With "Them"

DETROIT - The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History begins the exhibit, THEM: Images of Separation, a traveling exhibition showcasing items from popular culture used to stereotype different groups.

The negative imagery - found on postcards, license plates, games, souvenirs and costumes - promoted stereotyping against such groups as Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Jews and poor whites, as well as those who are "other" in terms of body type or sexual orientation.

Through 35 separate framed pieces (some with multiple items, such as postcards), "THEM" tackles some of the most contentious, cultural hot-button issues: anti-Arab sentiment, Holocaust denial, "don't ask, don't tell" and immigration.

Says Ferris professor of Social Sciences David Pilgrim, "We want to raise awareness and generate discussion about learning how we can treat one another better. At the end of the day, we are all a part of a group, and each one of us could be 'them' in the right situation."

This exhibit contains graphic imagery and parental guidance is strongly recommended. Exhibit courtesy of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University. The exhibition is made possible by support from the DTE Energy Foundation.