MAGA Demands Trump Be Immortalized on Mount Rushmore
The article, found HERE, highlights the absurdity of some Trump supporters' wishes to engrave his likeness alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Summary and Critique
1. **The Audacity of MAGA Supporters**: The idea that Trump should be immortalized on Mount Rushmore is a testament to the delusional grandeur of some of his supporters. It's as if they genuinely believe his presidency was on par with the foundational figures of American history. This isn't just a case of misplaced admiration; it's a reflection of how some Americans view their history—selectively and with a healthy dose of denial.
2. **Erasing History**: The push for Trump's inclusion on Mount Rushmore comes at a time when there's a broader cultural debate about monuments and historical figures. It's ironic that Trump himself has been vocal about preserving monuments to figures like Washington and Jefferson, despite their complex and problematic legacies. This selective preservation of history is a classic example of how systemic racism operates—by choosing which parts of history to honor and which to ignore.
3. **The 'Greatness' of America**: Trump's supporters often tout his presidency as a return to American greatness. However, this notion of greatness is rooted in a nostalgic view of America that ignores the country's long history of racial and social injustices. It's a form of historical amnesia that allows people to celebrate figures like Trump without confronting the systemic issues he exacerbated during his term.
4. **The Invisible Hand of Whiteness**: The desire to immortalize Trump on Mount Rushmore also speaks to the invisible yet pervasive influence of whiteness in American culture. It's a reminder that whiteness often operates as an unmarked category, allowing its beneficiaries to claim a universal American identity while others are marginalized. This is precisely why satire often fails to critique whiteness effectively—it remains invisible, even in attempts to ridicule it[1].
In conclusion, the demand to immortalize Trump on Mount Rushmore is a symptom of a larger cultural disease—where historical revisionism meets white nostalgia. It's a stark reminder that systemic racism isn't just about overt acts of violence but also about how history is curated and celebrated. So, let's all take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of this request, shall we? After all, what could possibly go wrong with adding a figure known for his divisive rhetoric and policies to a monument meant to symbolize American unity and progress?