Reflection and Reconstruction: Rethinking Heritage and Museum : an interview with Prof. Laurajane Smith

Abstract

Along with the rise of critical heritage studies, the international academia began to rethink heritage and museum practices. Prof. Laurajane Smith from Australian National University argues that archeologists and other experts need to reevaluate their roles in heritage management and the political impacts brought about by professional discourses. They also nee d to listen to the appeals of local communities and other stakeholders. Museums ought to engage in interactions with relevant stakeholders on a deeper level. They ought to realize that visitors take with them complicated identities and emotional appeals and thus should avoid simply regarding them as accepters of education. Museums should provide resources for inspiring emotional resonance and self-reflection. The research endeavors in mapping and exploring heritage discourses in different cultural contexts are highly desirable . The activities and consideration of heritage in Asia could be extremely valuable in the diversification of world heritages. The concept of "criticism" in critical heritage studies should be debated for diversified understandings