I am a museum lover. The National Portrait Gallery is my sanctuary. I go there every chance I get. My last visit was two weeks ago when I checked out the temporary exhibition, “Elvis at 21.”
The photographs capture a still unknown and accessible Elvis. One of my favorite photos was taken on July 2, 1956 at RCA’s New York City studios while Elvis was recording “Hound Dog.”
As I wandered through the galleries humming “You ain’t nothing but a hound dog…” I stumbled upon “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture.” The temporary exhibition on gay and lesbian presence in American art should come with a warning.
I did not view the ants-on-Jesus video that’s at the center of the latest culture war. In fact, I did not know it was there. The homoerotic art on the walls was enough for me to hightail it out of the gallery.
Let me be clear: Sly and the Family Stone were spot-on when they sang, “Different strokes for different folks.” That said, some provocative works of art are not appropriate for the family-friendly Smithsonian.
Smithsonian officials should have known the video and other questionable art would be controversial and offensive to many Americans. And in DC, controversy and taxpayer dollars are a combustible mix.
Republicans predictably vow to put the Smithsonian budget “under the magnifying glass.” Rep. Jack Kingston, who is in line to chair the House Appropriations Committee, is calling for an investigation of the Smithsonian.
Meanwhile in the City of Brotherly Love, there is a war on Christmas.
Mayor Michael Nutter decreed the Christmas Village in Philadelphia would henceforth be called the “Holiday Village.” Nutter ordered the word “Christmas” removed from the arch that welcomes visitors to the holiday market, which is located at City Hall.
Nutter’s nutty directive triggered a public outcry and national ridicule. The Grinch who almost stole Christmas has since backed down.
On my way home yesterday, I took this photo.
As I wandered around, a duo was singing “Ava Maria.” It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
