The exhibit is intended to inform the public of the horrors of genocide in general and in particular the horrors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Museum director Edward Staski cautions parents and others that the topic, the information and some of the images might be disturbing to some, especially young children.

“We have thought long and hard about whether opening such a serious and somber exhibit was appropriate at this time and concluded that it was. Terrorism and genocide often have similar origins and outcomes and it seems to us that widespread ignorance and misinformation play significant roles in allowing such tragedies to occur,” Staski said. “We will do whatever we can to mitigate these conditions, however small our contribution.”

Pasternack’s lecture will focus on his work and experience in Rwanda. He has visited seven times since 1998 to conduct workshops for journalists, consult with the government on writing laws regarding the press and coordinate a series of radio and television programs on the AIDS epidemic.

In 2000 he created a school of journalism at the National University of Rwanda in response to the nation’s need for responsible journalism. It is widely perceived that the media played a significant role in instigating and exacerbating the 1994 genocide.

“The Tragedy in Rwanda” will be on exhibit throughout 2002. The museum is located in Kent Hall on the university campus, where Solano Drive meets University Avenue.

For more information call (505) 646-3739.

Photo is available at http://kiernan.nmsu.edu/newsphoto/pasternack_steve.jpg.
CUTLINE:  Steven Pasternack, head of the department of journalism and mass communications and guest curator for the New Mexico State University Museum’s exhibit “The Tragedy in Rwanda,” will give a lecture on his experiences in Rwanda at 7 p.m. Feb. 14.

Erin Waldron
Jan. 10, 2002

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