Critics have seen Trump’s efforts to whiten up the ugly parts of American history.
Trump criticizes the Smithsonian over historic exhibit
President Donald Trump continued to target the Smithsonian Museum as he said, “How bad is slavery?” He began reviewing the museum last week.
The unforgettable picture of a former enslaved man with a back severely wounded by a whiplash is the new flashpoint for President Donald Trump’s efforts to change how history is presented in the United States.
A 1863 photograph, known as the “scourted back” image, named Peter, has long been used to show the horrifying state in which enslaved people lived. Abolitionists used Harper’s weekly photos to stir up the public’s sentiment about slavery. According to the National Portrait Gallery, Peter, whose surname is unknown, served as a sergeant in the Union Black Regiment during the Civil War.
The Washington Post reported on September 16 that the National Park Service was ordered to stop using photos on displays. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior said the NPS site was not asked to remove images, but admitted that there is an ongoing review of all interpretive displays throughout the federal government.
Trump ordered a review in April as part of his longstanding belief that American history should be taught in ways that promote patriotism as well as acknowledge historical facts. This image is still available from the National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian.
Trump has also ordered a review of the Smithsonian display, complaining that displays about enslaved Americans are too negative.
“As the President said, federal historical sites and agencies should present a history that is accurate, honest and reflects shared national values,” the Home Office said in a statement. “An interpretive material that focuses solely on challenging aspects of American history without acknowledging broader contexts or national progress may provide an incomplete understanding rather than unintentionally enriching it.”
Critics see Trump’s move as an effort to whitewash the suffering and contributions of American history, particularly indigenous people, blacks and Hispanics, into European settlers’ hands. They are also concerned that the president will not emphasize climate change.
The National Park Service has multiple sites and exhibits dedicated to slavery, colonization and climate change, so presidential critics are awaiting the results of the review with concern. In a statement, the National Park Conservation Association said it is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy group, saying the potential removal of photographs like Peter’s image represents a loss in history education.
“The great nations don’t hide from their history. We learn from the past and stand up to it when necessary,” said Alan Spears, senior director of cultural resources at the NCPA. “The ‘scorted’ photos shocked the country and the world with their honest portrayal of the vicious nature of slavery. This photograph and other images and information are painstakingly chosen and contextualized to help visitors understand the role that slavery has played in our history. ”
In that statement, the Home Office said it would confirm whether someone accidentally ordered the removal of the photos or had ordered prematurely.
Last month, the White House published a list of artwork and museum exhibits that officials deemed undesirable, including exhibits by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which criticize “white dominant culture.” That list also includes an exhibit at the American Latin National Museum, where White House officials felt they inaccurately portrayed the Texas Revolution as a defense of slavery, rather than as a war of independence from Mexico.
