The Dark Secret Behind the Rulers in Your Home: What Harvard Doesn't Want You to Know

Harvard University has recently launched an exhibit that delves into the complex history of colonial measurements, a topic that has sparked intense debate and curiosity among historians and the general public alike. As visitors navigate through the exhibit, they are taken on a journey that not only explores the evolution of measurement systems but also sheds light on the darker side of colonialism.

The use of colonial measurements may seem like a mundane aspect of our daily lives, but as the exhibit reveals, it is an issue that is deeply intertwined with the history of imperialism and cultural domination. From the British Empire's imposition of its measurement system on colonies to the ways in which these systems have been internalized and perpetuated, the exhibit asks us to question our assumptions about the seemingly innocuous ruler in our toolbox.

One of the most striking aspects of the exhibit is the way it highlights the role of measurement systems in facilitating colonialism. By imposing their own measurement systems on colonized territories, European powers were able to exert control over local economies and cultures. This process of cultural erasure is exemplified in the exhibit's collection of artifacts, which includes ancient measurement instruments from colonized cultures that have been largely forgotten or suppressed.

However, the exhibit also explores the ways in which colonized cultures resisted and subverted these imposed measurement systems. In many cases, local populations continued to use their own traditional measurement systems, often in secret, as a way of maintaining their cultural identity and resisting colonial domination. These acts of resistance are celebrated in the exhibit, which showcases a range of innovative and resourceful ways in which colonized cultures adapted and transformed imposed measurement systems.

As we reflect on the history of colonial measurements, it is impossible not to think about the ongoing impacts of colonialism on contemporary society. The exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of the ways in which our daily lives are shaped by the legacies of colonialism, often in ways that we are not even aware of. By shedding light on this complex and often painful history, the exhibit encourages us to think critically about the measurement systems we use and the power dynamics that underlie them.

Ultimately, the Harvard exhibit on colonial measurements is a call to action, urging us to think more deeply about the ways in which we measure the world and our place within it. As we move forward into an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, it is essential that we interrogate our assumptions about measurement and culture, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable understanding of the world around us.