It’s education to some and it’s propaganda to others, but in my mind it’s a really cool idea if for no other reason than the novelty of it all.
Chicago’s Hyde Park museum is hosting an exhibit on the dangers drug abuse pose to us all. It’s meant to educate, entertain and to shock us into seeing how drug use puts us all in jeopardy. Not only that but it displays a tricked out drug surveillance vehicle and mock up display of a Meth lab shown in a common surrounding we can all relate to, and apartment. Just in case the notion of getting blown to kingdom come isn’t enough to grab your attention it also attempts to demonstrate what lousy unclean neighbors meth addicts can be. The display includes a dirty diaper and cigarette butts!
While this exhibit has done a bit of traveling about the country I’m all for making it (the concept at least) a mandatory fixture in every cities cultural scene. If ecstasy and raving is problematic in your area a display of this with mannequins in the appropriate attire in a diorama should be set up, or if you have a botanical garden why not show what tobacco, mescaline cactus, opium poppies or the wide array of hybrid cannabis looks like and it various usages and methodology demonstrated? On a recent visit to the Golden triangle I visited the Opium museum there. It was very cool yet alas the free samples I asked for were not forth coming wtf?? Left to the street and my own devices I suppose.
Think about it, the concept isn’t exactly new. Most industries and the factories involved usually not only have a plant tour but also have a museum and if you’re really lucky a gift shop too. Jack Daniels, Molson, and the Scotch whisky industry in Scotland come to mind right away.
I’m all for taking the idea and running with it.