The Smithsonian Has Lost Sight of America | Opinion

The Smithsonian, the world's largest museum and research complex located in Washington D.C., has recently been criticized for its shifting focus on American history. This museum, once a cherished and highly sought-after institution for generations, now appears to be promoting a reimagined "oppressor/oppressed" narrative that describes the nation's history as "unsettling."

Director Anthea Hartig stated that the museum should "get out of the 'America First' mentality" and that the scope of U.S. history should expand to include "the entirety of the Americas." The Smithsonian's Center for Restorative History aims to "address the harm that we've done as the Smithsonian," which raises questions about the institution's commitment to preserving America's history.

Critics argue that the Smithsonian, funded by American taxpayers, should not be in the business of erasing its borders and that the institution's recent changes are driven by a strict bureaucratic mandate that requires every exhibit to address a list of core issues, including race, identity, gender, sexuality, immigration, and inequality.

These changes have led to exhibits that belittle motherhood, idolize symbols of illegal immigration, and shift women's history to focus on biological males rather than celebrating the achievements of American women.

As the Smithsonian moves away from its mission to educate visitors about America's remarkable and providential founding and rise to greatness, the institution risks alienating American citizens who value their heritage and expect museums to preserve it, rather than apologize for it. It is crucial for the Smithsonian to remember its role as a national museum, not a platform for pushing a political agenda using taxpayer money.