列国鉴丨记者观察：美国博物馆何以成为“文化战场”？

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration's efforts to reshape the narrative of American history in museums and national parks are seen as a response to conservative right-wing forces, aiming to redefine public perception of history and engage in a "culture war" [1][9][10]. Group 1: Museum and Historical Narrative - The establishment of museums such as the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture reflects deep societal contradictions regarding which histories are told and how [2][6]. - The American Indian Museum has faced criticism for not addressing the violent history faced by Native Americans, focusing instead on their culture and contemporary issues [4][6]. - The African American Museum's creation was a lengthy process, highlighting the struggle for recognition of African American contributions compared to the more straightforward establishment of the Holocaust Memorial Museum, which aligns with a more favorable narrative of American history [6][7]. Group 2: Government Intervention and Funding - The Trump administration has targeted the Smithsonian Institution, which operates 21 museums, by issuing executive orders to remove content deemed to undermine American values and unity [7][8]. - Federal funding priorities have shifted to favor projects that promote "patriotic education," indicating a significant change in how history is presented in public institutions [7][8]. - Critics argue that this intervention represents an overreach of authority and could have damaging effects on historical research and cultural representation [7][10]. Group 3: Political Context and Cultural Warfare - The current cultural restructuring is part of a broader political struggle, with the Republican Party opposing Democratic ideals of diversity and anti-racism, gaining support from conservative bases [9][10]. - The shift from subtle "dog whistle" politics to overt racial narratives marks a significant change in the Republican approach to cultural issues, reflecting a more explicit form of institutionalized racism [10][12]. - The ongoing battle over historical narratives is indicative of deeper societal divisions that are likely to persist as political forces continue to clash [13].