The British Museum, in London, displays "superior" European art, or at least what people think. According to Preziosi's The Art of Art History, the British museum is an institution that creates "national mythologies", displaying works of art from cultures around the world. However, Preziosi notes the division between "refined" and not "raw" Europeans—European art such as "indigenous African art", "African art", etc. Interestingly, the moment an ancient work of art is found, it goes straight to the museum where the work of art is not part of indigenous history, but is instead treated as a new one. There is an inherent feeling of Eurocentrism through the marginalization of other non-European cultures, and thus begs the question: to what extent does the British museum demonstrate Western superiority over all other “exotic” and “primitive” cultures? To answer this question we will use Lois Tyson's “postcolonial criticism”. Tyson argues that Western cultures see themselves as the center of the world. So, first, we need to outline Tyson's principles, apply them to the British Museum before drawing two critical implications. Say no to plagiarism; on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay First, “denigration of native cultures.” Tyson argues that people in cultures other than the dominant one are mistreated for their cultural difference. Tyson argues that the dominance of Western cultures creates a standard in physical appearance and linguistics. Today there is a cultural gap where Western standards are considered universal. Third, “the inherent privileging of Nordic characteristics.” Tyson argues that people with physical characteristics associated with the Northern Germanic countries are considered genetically superior in intelligence, strength, and beauty. Today, people with those characteristics are granted an unconscious social advantage. Fourth, "the supremacy of the English language." Tyson argues that the dominance of European cultures means that English is the universal language and that English-speaking people are afforded the greatest social advantage. Fifth: “the superiority of European values”. Tyson argues that the supremacy of European cultures gives an advantage to European values. Today, Nordic characteristics and English give an advantage to those who possess them. With this understanding of Tyson's model, we can now analyze how the British museum highlights or contradicts these elements of Eurocentrism. First, the “denigration of native cultures.” The British museum displays artworks from non-European cultures such as Africa as "tribal", "uncultured" or "primitive". The negative connotations associated with the term “tribal” imply that art produced by any non-European culture is unrefined, thus frowning upon non-European cultures. Therefore, the British museum fulfills Tyson's first principle. Second, “a narrow framework for universal standards.” Through the classification of cultural art, the British museum implies that all people in specific non-European cultures create art that shares the same characteristics, thus satisfying Tyson's second principle. Finally, “the superiority of European values”. By claiming that European art is more “sophisticated” and “refined” than non-European cultures, the British museum creates a framework that holds European art above non-European art. The implication that European art is superior gives their art a subconscious advantage, thus satisfying Tyson's final principle. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay After.