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X @Elon Musk
Elon Musk· 2025-09-19 14:51
RT Alice Smith (@TheAliceSmith)Slavery was the default position - the West led the charge against it.Poverty was the default position - the West figured out how to multiply wealth for everyone.Ignorance was the default position - the West invented the printing press and mass literacy. ...
X @Elon Musk
Elon Musk· 2025-09-05 08:33
Social Commentary - The tweet addresses racism and the divisive nature of how the history of slavery is taught in America [1] - The tweet advocates for telling the truth about the history of slavery [1]
1619 Project founder on Trump, the Smithsonian, and whitewashing U.S. History
MSNBC· 2025-08-24 14:27
Historical Interpretation & Political Influence - The Trump administration targeted Smithsonian exhibits deemed "woke," focusing on topics like sexuality, slavery, and immigration, accusing some artwork of being anti-American [1] - The administration's actions are interpreted as an attempt to control the understanding of the past to influence the present, particularly regarding race and American history [5][6][17] - Museums are intended to expand understanding and teach about past mistakes, not to please those in power [3] - Rewriting or erasing history is seen as a means to maintain power structures by obscuring the true history of racial inequality and justifying regressive policies [19][21] Education & Curriculum - The 1619 Project examines US history through the lens of slavery's central role in the nation's founding and development [5] - There are accusations of hypocrisy, with some criticizing the 1619 Project while supporting unvetted, ideological learning materials [15] - Oklahoma attempted to ban the teaching of the 1619 project [13] Historical Context & Warnings - Historians warn that the current situation, where the executive branch is attempting to control universities, art museums, and history museums, is unprecedented in American history [4][24] - Comparisons are drawn to the rise of Nazism in Germany, suggesting a chilling parallel in the attempt to control historical narratives [24][25] Race & Political Power - Race is being used as a means of political power to distract working-class white people from unpopular economic policies [7] - The administration is accused of trying to recast white Americans as the primary victims of racism [20] - The true history of slavery and racial apartheid needs to be hidden in order to justify regressive policies [21]
'Would be obscene': Smithsonian shouldn't align with Trump's view of history, says Eugene Robinson
MSNBC· 2025-08-22 11:44
Content Review Focus - The Trump administration, led by Lindseay Halligan, is reviewing content at the Smithsonian Museums, believing they overemphasize slavery [1] - Halligan suggests museums should focus on "how far we've come" and the progress made since slavery [1][3][4] - The review aims to ensure the Smithsonian aligns with President Trump's view of Washington and the nation's history, making DC a place all Americans want to visit [4][5] Concerns Regarding Historical Representation - Critics argue aligning the Smithsonian with Trump's view of history would be ahistorical and an obscenity, denying the nation's history [6] - Concerns are raised about "whitewashing" or downplaying the history of slavery and its aftermath, including Jim Crow discrimination [5][7][8] - Some believe acknowledging the full context of slavery, including hope and progress, is essential for an honest portrayal [3] Political Implications - The White House's actions are seen as appealing to its base, suggesting the left has been lazy in celebrating the country [12] - Critics argue that celebrating the country fully requires acknowledging its difficult past and the struggles of minorities [13][14] - The President's attempt to control culture and the arts raises concerns about expanding power, potentially leading voters to seek checks on presidential power [15][16]
Smithsonian visitors react to Trump's criticism that museums are too "WOKE"
MSNBC· 2025-08-21 03:07
Huh. You see it right. He dead serious, too.He's lit literally. It's caps. I don't think I can comment without cussing.It's just horrible. I'm very cuz I I can read. Yeah, I can read, but this don't look I have to keep rereading it because this don't this isn't a joke.It's beyond disappointing. It's depressing. But to have the president of the United States saying something like this, it's just unconscionable.It's not a shocker to be honest with you. I didn't know he had like that much hate towards us thoug ...
Trump orders sweeping review of Smithsonian
NBC News· 2025-08-21 01:30
Government Oversight & Funding - The President is escalating a war against the Smithsonian, accusing it of being "woke" and negatively portraying American history [1] - The President signed an executive order claiming the Smithsonian is influenced by a divisive race-centered ideology [3] - 62% of the Smithsonian's funding comes from the federal government [5] Historical Representation & Controversy - The President criticizes the Smithsonian for focusing on negative aspects of American history like slavery [1] - The President wants museums to present American history in a fair manner, not in a "woke" or "racist" manner [1] - The removal of at least 32 artifacts previously displayed at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture was noted [2] Public Reaction - The President's comments about slavery are drawing backlash and considered offensive [4] - Public reactions to the review of the Smithsonian are mixed [4]
Oklahoma will test incoming teachers from NY and CA for 'wokeness'
MSNBC· 2025-08-20 20:12
Educational Policy & Ideology - Oklahoma is implementing an "America First" exam for incoming teachers from New York and California, aiming to screen out "woke indoctrinators" [1] - The test, created with the help of conservative media nonprofit PragerU, covers government, religion, and gender [1][2] - PragerU's teaching materials, now part of the Oklahoma school system, present controversial viewpoints on topics like slavery and gender roles [2][3] - Critics argue this represents an ideological shift in education, moving beyond supplemental material to influencing teacher certification [5][13] - Concerns are raised that the focus on identity and race in current teaching methods is negatively impacting students [10] Curriculum & Perspectives - The report highlights the debate around contextualizing historical events like slavery, with concerns that certain presentations may downplay its severity [8] - Educators argue they already supplement curricula with diverse perspectives and primary source documents [8][9] - There's a pushback against what's perceived as a "fake" or biased retelling of American history [9] - The report suggests a disconnect between political narratives and the actual experiences of students and teachers in classrooms [11][12][13]
Trump says the Smithsonian focuses too much on 'how bad slavery was'
NBC News· 2025-08-20 18:57
Political & Cultural Landscape - US President Trump is directing a formal review of the Smithsonian Institution due to concerns about its portrayal of US history being "too negative" and overly focused on slavery [1] - The review is part of a broader initiative against "woke culture" [1] - The White House has withdrawn funding from colleges and universities accused of fostering anti-semitic climates and promoting unfair DEI initiatives [1]
Trump orders review of Smithsonian over 'negative' portrayal of U.S. history
NBC News· 2025-08-20 18:00
President Trump is ordering attorneys to conduct a formal review of the Smithsonian Institution based in Washington DC. Now, he said the museum's portrayal of US history is quote too negative and too focused on quote how bad slavery was. This is the latest move in the president's crusade against so-called woke culture.And it comes after the White House pulled funding from several colleges and universities alleging they fostered anti-Semitic climates and pushed unfair DEI initiatives. NBC News chief White Ho ...
Joe: America's true story is one of progress -- not erasing slavery from museums
MSNBC· 2025-08-20 17:20
Government & Policy - President Trump orders review of Smithsonian museums, alleging excessive focus on the negative aspects of slavery [1] - The review process mirrors those conducted at universities facing federal funding cuts due to DEI and anti-semitism concerns [1] - The discussion extends beyond the President to his supporters, influencing the broader narrative [2] Historical & Social Commentary - The American story is portrayed as an extraordinary arc of progress [2] - The narrative emphasizes figures who overcame adversity to advance civil rights, such as a person who rose from poverty to become a state legislator and champion emancipation [3] - Figures like Frederick Douglas are highlighted for their complex relationship, sometimes opposing, sometimes allying, in the fight for equality [4] - The story of LBJ's transformation from opposing the 1957 Civil Rights Act to passing landmark legislation in 1964 and 1965 is presented as a key example [4] - The overall narrative aims to inspire future generations by showcasing the country's continuous movement towards a more perfect union, despite setbacks [4][5] - The importance of telling this story to inspire future generations to strive for improvement and progress is emphasized [5]