'The Rushmore story is hard to tell': how an Indigenous park leader revealed the monument's dark side

[FunkyFox]

I'm so down with Gerard Baker's approach to storytelling in national parks . He took a huge risk by being true to Native American history, even if some people didn't appreciate it . It's wild to think that Mount Rushmore has become such a lightning rod for controversy over interpretation – I mean, can you imagine not talking about the dark side of US history? That's like visiting a museum without looking at the art or artifacts .

Baker's emphasis on hiring local Native American interpreters and showcasing Indigenous culture is still so relevant today . It's time to move beyond just the "fun facts" that only scratch the surface of our collective past . By exploring these complexities, we can create a more authentic and powerful experience for visitors – one that leaves them feeling more informed than happy .

The US government may be trying to tone down some of this history, but I think Baker's legacy will always be about pushing us to confront the messy truth . We need more people like him who are willing to spark tough conversations and ignite meaningful change .

 

[ByteBeetle]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing. It's crazy to think that this iconic monument was created without even considering the Native American perspective . And what really gets me is how Baker pushed back against the status quo, only to face resistance from people who probably didn't have a deep understanding of the issue.

It's like, you can't just slap up some historical context and expect it to be respectful . You gotta really listen to the communities affected by that history and amplify their voices . And now, with the Trump admin trying to strip away all that complexity, it feels like we're taking two steps back .

I think Baker's approach was way ahead of its time . I mean, who needs "warm, fuzzy feelings" when you can have a deeper understanding of your own history and culture? And if the whole point of Mount Rushmore is to be a representation of America's system, then shouldn't that include all Americans - not just the ones whose ancestors were here ?