Answer to Question #98426 in History for Marlon Torres

Question

Anthropology

Controversy arose when the 3.2 million year-old fossil specimen, “Lucy” (Australopithecus afarensis) was transported to the United States for an exhibit. Do you think fossils should be moved for exhibition? What are the pros and cons for this?

Answer 1

Pros

Fossils should be moved for exhibition to increase awareness about the rich heritage of different countries. They should also be moved to increase cultural and business links between countries that own the fossil and those that plan for their exhibition.

Cons

Fossils should not be moved for exhibition because it allows the exploitation of poor countries. Most museums in developing countries are underfunded. This allows developed countries to take advantage by buying the fossils for really low prices and without sustainable collaboration. Such practices deprive the developing countries of growth in their tourism sectors.