The DC Smithsonians should be a showplace of positive American history and culture.
As DC is the capitol and show place of the US.
I would like to see DC/ Smithsonian have more narrowly focused museums. And also put the BEST stuff on permanent display.
I also think that we should show all apects of the US both positive and negative.
There is plenty of room and artifacts that the Smithsonian could and likely should have a separate museum dedicated to the “wrongs” of the US. Indians, Blacks, Chinese, Irish, Japanese, etc..
Exactly. There is a middle ground between sackcloth and ashes self-flagellation and Pollyanna jingoism.
It is important to make the point that WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE RESPECTIVE TIME PERIODS, America has, as a whole, been less malevolent and more benevolent in its exercise of internal and external power than pretty much any other major country in history.
Yes, slavery, Trail of Tears, segregation, Japanese internment camps etc. all happened. But those are just part of the story and shouldn’t overshadow the vast majority of greatness and positive things in our history.
I was at the Museum of American History in May. The claims are not exaggerated. The Star Soangled Banner exhibit was glorious. But there were so many of the woke exhibits, we left after about 30 mins