Political Oversight Targets Museum Narratives
The White House has announced a sweeping review of the Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary. In a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, officials said the review will ensure exhibitions reflect “unity, progress, and enduring values” in line with the president’s executive order on “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” The review will examine exhibition texts, online materials, curatorial practices, collection use, and artist grants.
Supporters Cite Unity and Patriotism
Proponents of the review argue it will remove “divisive or partisan” narratives, bolster American exceptionalism, and restore public confidence in cultural institutions. They contend that emphasizing unity and shared national identity is essential during the anniversary celebrations. Supporters see the move as a corrective to what they perceive as overly negative portrayals of U.S. history in federally funded museums.
Critics Warn of Political Censorship
Critics, including historians and museum advocates, warn the review risks imposing political control over scholarly institutions. They argue that erasing painful truths—such as slavery, segregation, and systemic injustice—amounts to historical revisionism. Opponents connect the initiative to a broader white Christian nationalist agenda that frames America as morally virtuous from its founding, downplaying historical atrocities to maintain a narrative of divine favor and national exceptionalism.
Broader Cultural Battle Over History
The dispute reflects a broader conflict over how the nation’s past is taught and remembered. Detractors say white Christian nationalists seek to whitewash history to fit theological beliefs, attacking schools, books, and museums that present evidence-based accounts. As the 250th anniversary approaches, they see the review as a strategic effort to enshrine a sanitized version of history into the national consciousness, shaping America’s identity and future.
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Why the White House’s Smithsonian Review Is Also About Christian Nationalism
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