05-19-2014, 09:48 AM
It might be a little crass, but there are bound to be a lot of tourists visiting and wanting souvenirs. I don't really find it offensive.
I don't think it's unusual for any kind of museum to sell souvenirs, and for memorial museums to display personal items from some of the victims. I visited the Hiroshima Memorial Museum. There were backpacks and shoes of schoolchildren who'd been killed in the bombing on display and it did help convey the devastating personal loss.
Of course the history, as told on the tape narration and placards at the museum, reflected a different perspective than what's taught in the US. Anyway, I remember there was a gift shift shop there and it was packed with Japanese tourists on holiday.
I don't think it's unusual for any kind of museum to sell souvenirs, and for memorial museums to display personal items from some of the victims. I visited the Hiroshima Memorial Museum. There were backpacks and shoes of schoolchildren who'd been killed in the bombing on display and it did help convey the devastating personal loss.
Of course the history, as told on the tape narration and placards at the museum, reflected a different perspective than what's taught in the US. Anyway, I remember there was a gift shift shop there and it was packed with Japanese tourists on holiday.