Archaeology in the Media

public image, public opinion

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp owns 67% of National Geographic

The History Channels are owned by Hearst Media and Disney

Archaeology in the News“Corrupt FBI Invades 91 Yr Old Man’s Home to “Inspect” (Then Steal) Life-Long Collection of American Indian Artifacts”

“It was most certainly a raid, prodded on by the museum mafia looking to get a free collection and conducted by the useless FBI Art Crime Team who does the bidding of the museum mafia.

The museum mafia, festooned with phony and narrow college degrees categorically rejects private art and artifact ownership.”

“human remains, mortuary artifacts, and unique culturally specific artifacts have been reduced to the status of property no different than any other thing and accorded no dignified treatment or preservation that is informed by descendants. During a week that many people raced to ensure that National Geographic did not air a show with World War II German soldiers’ remains, the Indiana investigation has been greeted by a contrasting defense of personal property and nearly no commitment to the dignity of human remains now claimed as collectibles.” Paul Mullens in the Morality of Property and Cultural Patrimony

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-fbi-artifacts-indiana-20140402,0,3755180.story#axzz2yViuB7Bd

Archaeology Online

Extreme History vs. Metal Detectorists: http://extremehistory.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/stop-the-tv-shows-diggers-and-american-digger/

“Archys as w call em would like you to believe that. But a simple check of their trophy room and you would see who the real theifs are. As a responsible hobbyist, it is generally agreed upon in the Metal Detecting community if you find something and you know who it belongs too, it must be returned. As for archys pronouncing their godhood, there is Antiquity laws that cover everything you could possibly dig up of importance. So aireate the grass a little, have some fun with the kids, and dont dig graves(as archys do).”

“Why stop it! I would rather see historical things being dug up rather than see them left in the ground to rot away and rust. Why should Archeologists have all the fun and get paid for it.”

“The day I was born here in the USA I was given unalienable rights to do what I want, when I want to do it as long as it does not harm other peoples rights. As long as I detect and dig on private property with the owners permission, it is legal. The average metal detectorists are looking for coins, rings,watches or whatever. If they stumble upon some really old stuff thats a different story. If I find something really old I may offer it to a museum at a reasonable price or keep it.Thats my choice.”

Public Misconceptions of Archaeology

• Equate intrinsic with monetary value• Assume archaeologists are pocketing artifacts and have large

collections in their basements.• Archaeologists dig up graves.• Artifacts will rot in the ground if left to archaeologists to find.• Archaeologists are well paid through a seemingly unlimited supply of

money that funds archaeology and by selling artifacts. • A general misunderstanding of the laws that cover antiquities, their

scope and enforcement.