The extent to
which governments should provide egalitarian opportunity for public services to
its citizens has long been a controversial issue. Although some people argue
that imposing entrance fee for museums has its own benefits, my view is that it
is outweighed by its drawbacks.
It is
arguable that collecting admission fee contributes to advantageous outcome for
the following reasons. Firstly, the raised funds can be re-invested in museums,
meaning that visitors will experience better exhibition with improved
facilities and more diverse and higher quality of collections. Secondly, overall
quality of museum will be maintained as only serious guests visit museums. In
other words, those who are willing to pay the fee take their trip seriously,
and try to spend their time on appreciating learning resources only.
Nevertheless,
this will contribute to more adverse consequences. Screening visitors by their
economic condition means some of them are deprived of the opportunity for
education. This is due to the fact that main users of museums are students, who
are yet to be independent in terms of financial capability, hence they need
support from their parents for the entrance. Consequently, inflicting financial
burden on youngsters means that problem of economic social division are passed
onto next generation.
In
conclusion, despite the merits that charging entrance fee bring in, I believe
the disadvantage will lead to far more serious consequences, so this matter
should be approached in a careful manner by policymakers.
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