Visiting the Native American museum was interesting to say the least. As discussed in class, there is almost no mention whatsoever of the horrible treatment of Native Americans by the “new” Americans. While going through the exhibit and not seeing any harm caused to the Native Americans, I thought the museum must have a section reserved for all the atrocities. I assumed this was the case because the museum wouldn’t want to make the whole place depressing by adding relocation and deaths after many of the tribes’ history. They might as well share the tragic stories in one big swoop. I was shocked to learn that this wasn’t the case at all. They simply left out a gigantic section of Native American history. I’m extremely surprised that Native Americans haven’t spoken up against what I see as the bending of truth. They aren’t telling the truth when they don’t tell the whole story.
To put this in perspective, Congress in 2003 authorized the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to be built in 2015. Suppose they decide to totally emit the history of slavery. Without a doubt that would spark a major public outcry. I don’t understand why Native Americans as well as the general public aren’t outraged at the museum’s portrayal of history. I know that the passing of time comes with a “relaxing” of past tragedies. It seems that this happened such a long time ago, that it doesn’t really matter anymore. No one alive today was involved in slavery, yet I bet many people would care if museums didn’t mention it at all―even if the United States wants to keep its terrible past to a down-low. I think this is an injustice Native Americans and the country should fight to correct.
No comments:
Post a Comment