The Museum of Tolerance
Artist
The Alternative Press
Artist
Sherman Alexie
Datec. 1993
MediumLetterpress on paper
DimensionsPaper Size: 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)
ClassificationsPrint
Credit LineGift of Gary Eleinko, 2023
Object numberUAC7452.02
DescriptionLetterpress printed poem by Sherman Alexie, titled "The Museum of Tolerance".The Museum of Tolerance
has opened its doors
and, as agreed, we forgive all sins.
We check our hats
and regretfully remember
the twentieth centry: War, war, war, war
followed closely by manned space flight.
I have the sudden urge to telephone old girlfriends and apologize!
This is the Museum of Tolerance: one room
with its one exhibit placed on a white satin pillow
which rests comfortably on an antique maple chair.
The exhibit: a small, blue stone.
What does it mean? The debate begins simply enough
but the adjectives and adverbs soon fill the room.
A man says, ""If I am going to love somebody
they must love me first""
Flash bulbs, the whirr of advancing film.
The Museum of Tolerance, thank God is open all night
but nobody can agree on the price of admission.
Published by The Alternative Press, The Final Issue Finally.
