Politics
Smithsonian bites back after criticism from White House: 'We have to tell the whole story
- Her museum was dismissed in a report as a stronghold of "radical activists" who "don't want you to love your country.
- But patriotism does not automatically have to come down to blind patriotism, says director Anthea Hartig.
- According to her, that love can also be demonstrated by showing the unwelcome sides of national history.
The director of the National Museum of American History in Washington rejects the White House's sharp criticism of its functioning. Her museum was dismissed in a report as a stronghold of "radical activists" who "don't want you to love your country. But patriotism does not automatically have to come down to blind patriotism, says director Anthea Hartig.
According to her, that love can also be demonstrated by showing the unwelcome sides of national history. Hartig today spoke to members of Congress about the report, which was released on the 250th anniversary of the US. The prestigious Smithsonian Institute, to which the museum falls, is characterized as a left-wing bastion.
Hartig in particular would question everything Americans are proud of with her 'woke' ideology. “The museum portrays America as a problematic country founded by deeply flawed men, defined by white supremacy, slavery, conquest, exclusion, subjugation, racism, xenophobia, misogyny and systemic injustice, the report concluded. 'Draw your own conclusions' Hartig disputed that characterization at Congress.
“The report does not paint a fair picture of everything the museum does, she said. “We want to tell the whole story of America through research, precision and uncompromising dedication. The museum does not take sides in political debates, Hartig argued.
“We preserve and exhibit aspects of American life across its breadth so that audiences can explore the past and draw their own conclusions. According to her, it is not unpatriotic to also discuss the moments "when the country did not live up to its ideals". "That is not un-American, it actually shows respect for the American people and the promise to constantly work towards 'a better association', she quoted the opening words of the American Constitution.
180 years old The Smithsonian was founded in 1846 with a bequest from British scientist James Smithson to "acquire and disseminate knowledge. The institute grew into a tourist attraction with well-visited museums, galleries and a zoo in prominent locations in the US capital. Last year the locations attracted 15 million visitors.
She called it untrue that beloved historical figures such as former presidents Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson or national symbols fare poorly in her museum. Upon entering, the visitor is greeted by a huge Washington statue, the writing desk on which Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence is one of the highlights and the Star-Spangled Banner (the flag from the American national anthem) can be seen in all its glory. “I've seen 10-year-olds put their hands on their hearts to the Star-Spangled Banner without anyone telling them to do it, Hartig said.
“That is the National Museum of American History at its best: when patriotism is not imposed, but inspired. Hartig received support in Congress from Democrats, who warn that President Trump only wants to tell a chauvinistic success story. “He is abusing his power to force political obedience from a respected cultural institution, said Rep.
Joe Morelle. "But it is not up to a president to rewrite history. In his new term of office, Trump regularly fights for more diversity in American historiography.
Source: NOS