Embedded Files
Why did the shift in generational attitudes from World War II to Vietnam create tensions between Pratt Institute's administration and the emerging generation of the sixties and seventies?
This project explores the generational shift in the attitudes of authority and type of activism present through student and faculty between the Greatest Generation and the emerging generation of the 1960s and ‘70s. The rising shift towards activism and protests at this time can be partly attributed to the disillusionment with larger social structures in achieving social change. This clashed with the more authoritarian nature of the previous generation, whose beliefs in strong government were vital to their participation in the World War II effort. This project examines this tension through comparing the participation of Pratt Institute's administration, faculty, and students within the homefront of WWII and protests within the 1960s.
Curating Statement
I have always been interested with the narratives and mythology of “great individuals.” Beginning my research, I explored my fascination with the era of World War II and the Greatest Generation,. Within this research, I become attracted to the narrative of James B. Donovan, the ninth president of Pratt Institute. Through my research, I found that his short time as President of Pratt Institute is overshadowed by his larger accomplishments. In my digital exhibition, I wanted to focus on James B. Donovan’s Presidency which embodies a generational tension.
However within this research, I wanted to be cautious of glorifying or vilifying James B. Donovan. Donovan is a three dimensional figure who cannot be singular defined by black or white notions of character. Therefore for this digital exhibition, I wanted to broadly capture the different perspectives of Pratt Institute's administration, faculty, and students in this generational tension of the 1960s & 1970s.
The cataloguing and digitization of archival materials is an ongoing process. In a way I wanted to replicate the experience of going to the archives. Within this digital exhibition, I wanted to provide the documents within their fuller context. The documents provided are reflections of contemporary life during the time period and through their fuller display I want to promote the reader’s own independent understandings. This exhibition should be thought of as a gateway to other research and further exploration of these archival materials. As you proceed through the site, look for questions I have added designed to help you to look deeper into some of these primary sources.
The cataloguing and digitization of archival materials is an ongoing process. In a way I wanted to replicate the experience of going to the archives. Within this digital exhibition, I wanted to provide the documents within their fuller context. The documents provided are reflections of contemporary life during the time period and through their fuller display I want to promote the reader’s own independent understandings. This exhibition should be thought of as a gateway to other research and further exploration of these archival materials. As you proceed through the site, look for questions I have added designed to help you to look deeper into some of these primary sources.
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