England: Taylor DuVarney (Participant-Observation)
Participant-Observation
The Victoria and Albert museum (V&A) is one of the most famous museums in London. With many exhibits of various topics, it is very easy to get lost. Located about 10 minutes from our housing, I have found the V&A to be a comforting place to study and relax. Last week I visited the museum for the sole purpose of people-watching. I sat on a bench in one of my favorite exhibits, “Europe, 1600-1815”. While watching, I noticed how diverse the museum goers were, and how the diversity in the museum is very similar to the diversity throughout London.
Diversity is everywhere in London. London is home to 9 million people, over 200 languages, and many places to see. The diversity of London, and throughout England, is a very important aspect of British culture. In order to learn and grow, diversity is needed in a society. As mentioned previously, the diversity of the people walking around the V&A represent what is seen throughout all of London. I believe there are two reasons for the connections between the museum and the city. First, the exhibits cover the history of many different regions, not just Europe. Having representation of people from all over the world naturally draws in a more diverse crowd. Second, the museum is highly accessible. The V&A is free to enter, close to a tube station and bus stop, and has many mobility aids throughout the building. By making a place accessible for all, more people will feel welcomed into the museum. The V&A does a great job in their inclusivity efforts. The museum would not be able to educate properly if it could only reach a few people.
Through my experience of people-watching, I was able to notice the people in the space rather than the space itself. In London as a whole, it is very important to recognize and highlight the diversity of the city in connection to British culture.
Taylor DuVarney
Major: International Studies and Spanish
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
What do you most look forward to learning about in London?
I am looking forward to learning from a British perspective across a variety of topics that spark my interest such as: art history, literature, and politics. Having a new perspective will challenge myself to learn and live outside of my comfort zone and broaden my horizons, as well as give me skills to bring back to Madison after the program.