Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/28/opinions/why-isnt-harriet-tubman-on-20-bill-yet-coates/index.html
https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/andrew-jackson
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/andrew-jackson/
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/12/politics/harriet-tubman-20-mnuchin-trnd/index.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/22/harriet-tubman-20-bill-no-longer-coming-in-2020.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-cites-andrew-jackson-as-his-hero--and-a-reflection-of-himself/2017/03/15/4da8dc8c-0995-11e7-a15f-a58d4a988474_story.html
https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/trail-of-tears
2020 marks the year Harriet Tubman was supposed to be placed alongside or replace former president Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. This plan was originally proposed by the Obama administration to mark 100 years since women got the right to vote in 1920. Despite this, the white house has moved the date to 2026. Is this move from the Trump administration purposeful, or really just for extra security like they claim?
Harriet Tubman and Andrew Jackson are two completely different historical leaders that both stand for completely different things. Harriet Tubman is known for being one of the conductors of the underground railroad that freed slaves. She also was a nurse and head of the espionage spy network for the union during the civil war. She stands today as a symbol of hope for all African Americans and women. Andrew Jackson has a very different story, being a slave owner himself. An advocate for keeping slavery, he stated, “atone for this wicked attempt with their lives.’’ He is widely known for the Indian Removal Act that caused the removal of natives from their home. This began the trail of tears that he made 60,000 native americans walk through, many dying along the way. Who should we praise on our currency; someone who fought for freedom and America, or a racist former president?
Would the Trump administration push this deadline back on purpose, or is it out of their hands? Trump is very fond of president Andrew Jackson; visiting his home, grave, and having his portrait in the oval office. When visiting the former president’s home Trump stated: “Inspirational visit, I have to tell you, I’m a fan.” When asked why the timeline was pushed back the Trump administration stated that this is only a matter of security. The white house stated, “The primary reason for currency redesign is security against counterfeiting, not aesthetics.” Right now racial relations and riots are at an all-time high, so the real question is who should we praise from history? Is this a move from the president in support of Andrew Jackson, or merely just better security and currency for our country?
That was a very interesting article, Brooke. I honestly think that at this point in time, the current administration has more pressing issues. I am not saying that it isn't important, because it is and I agree that Harriet Tubman has had a bigger impact on history and is very different from Jackson, but I think that they don't want to deal with it at this point. Almost as if they are putting it on the back-burner of everything that they are trying to do. - Jameson H.
ReplyDeleteThis blog had some very good points, Brooke. I definitely think it should be a priority to have Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. Harriet Tubman is not as controversial as she should be, and redesigning the bill would definitely make an impact and help honor her memory of the contributions she made and influence she was. I believe that the delay of the redesign was definitely purposeful by the administration. According to CNBC, before his election President Trump made his disapproval of the choice to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill quite clear. He evidently suggested that Harriet Tubman be put on the $2 bill instead. I believe that it is long past time that Harriet get the recognition she deserves, and the lack of action is unreasonable and displeasing. -Kirstyn M
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