Author’s Note: This article may seem a bit out of left field…it was originally published September 12, 2014. In order to centralize my past opinion pieces, I’m republishing them over time on Substack. But in light of significant topographic name changes of late (and those undoubtedly yet to come) this post remains as relevant today as ever.
Like so many, I sincerely wish our nation’s history would reflect a spotless record of accomplishments reflective of the ethos and sensibilities of our modern era. But the societal ideals we presently enjoy in the United States have never been a constant. Rather, they have been shaped through the centuries by both laudable acts of greatness and deplorable acts of failure. In our past, we have both contributed to the advancement of the human condition and been complicit in the abject oppression of entire cultures.
The callous brutality inflicted on Native Americans by Andrew Jackson during both his military career and stint as president marks a particularly shameful—though certainly not singular—chapter from our collective past. Given this, Slate writer Jillian Keenan made a well-intentioned and impassioned plea earlier this year for the visage of our seventh president to be ejected from the face of our $20 bill.
This wish echoes similar conversations heard around the country regarding individuals, events, and attitudes that—though appalling when filtered through 21st century hindsight—are nonetheless commemorated by streets, counties, flags, football teams, parks and mountains. The sentiment is understandable: no one likes to be constantly reminded about the painful truths of our collective past.
Still, saving ourselves from uncomfortable pangs of conscience does not justify sweeping our history quietly beneath the rug. Efforts to hide our past should never be taken lightly. Present generations desperately need opportunities to consider and reflect upon the less savory aspects of history as a necessary precursor to avoiding their repetition.
Relegating all mention of Andrew Jackson (or John Evans, Jefferson Davis, or the entire Confederacy for that matter) merely to the domain of history books does our nation little service. Doing so simply limits opportunities to consider, discuss, and learn from earlier mistakes. Troubling episodes of our past should not merely be consigned to pages of sterile history books wedged between the dusty shelves of cavernous libraries to be visited only when papers are begrudgingly written for class.
Rather, reminders of our most bitter history should meet us everywhere we go and greet us every day without fail. It is only when we consider history in place—on the landscape, in our neighborhoods, and sometimes in our wallet—that our past becomes personal. If a portrait of Jackson casting a sideways glance did not appear on the currency found in everyone’s pocket, there’s little chance our present discussion about history and legacy would be playing out broadly.
To be clear: I’m not advocating that monuments be purposely erected as tribute to horrific acts or people. Yet—in the same way that we preserve and interpret the existence of Japanese internment camps, slave quarters, and civil war battlefields—we should remain mindful that reminders of a deeply troubled past have value in forging a more hopeful future.
At question, then, is perhaps what constitutes being “honored.” In my view, a one-mile stretch of road christened for an individual does little to bestow honor when considered amidst the countless miles of asphalt that presently encircle our nation. Similarly, with regards to our currency, do we not frequently assert—with a very real measure of truth—that money is root of all evil? Have we not seen the quest for the almighty dollar bring strife and discord to individuals, families, and entire nations?
So it is perhaps only fitting that—as we struggle in our daily lives to get ahead and amass greater and greater stacks of bills before us—we should happen occasionally upon a sideways glance that reminds us of the potential dangers of being overzealous.
What Do You Think?
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