Clint Smith on Telling the Truth About America’s History
Apr 28, 2025
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Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'How the Word is Passed,' joins Key Jo Lee, chief of curatorial affairs at the Museum of the African Diaspora. They dive into the political battle over American history narratives amid efforts to erase uncomfortable truths. Smith discusses the implications of whitewashing history and the importance of confronting racial injustices. Lee highlights the critical role of museums in preserving marginalized stories and the ongoing challenges they face due to funding cuts and ideological pressures.
The executive order aimed at reshaping American history reflects a desire to minimize discomfort by downplaying racial injustices and systemic oppression.
Clint Smith emphasizes the importance of acknowledging America's complex dual realities to foster a truthful understanding of the nation's past.
Erasing marginalized histories from discourse diminishes identity and perpetuates ignorance, hindering meaningful dialogue on contemporary social issues.
Deep dives
The Impact of Trump's Executive Order on Historical Narratives
The executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History' emphasizes a narrative that seeks to minimize discomfort associated with America's past, particularly regarding race and inequality. It criticizes federal sites, such as the Smithsonian, for presenting historical truths that highlight societal divisions and systemic oppression. This order underscores a desire to promote an uplifting account of history, one that arguably glosses over significant injustices like slavery and segregation. This selective account not only risks erasing critical aspects of American history but also perpetuates misconceptions about contemporary social and economic inequalities.
Cognitive Dissonance in America's Historical Narrative
The discussion highlights the inherent contradictions within America's history, showcasing how the nation can embody both extraordinary achievements and profound injustices. Clint Smith emphasizes that just as humans hold complex, multi-faceted identities, the narrative of America must also reflect its dual realities of opportunity and oppression. This cognitive dissonance should be acknowledged rather than ignored, as it forms the backbone of a truthful recounting of the nation’s past. Understanding these complexities allows for a more realistic portrayal of American identity, rather than a sanitized version that does not resonate with historical realities.
The Importance of Understanding Historical Context
Smith elaborates on the necessity of grasping historical context to comprehend present inequalities, particularly those rooted in systems established through racism. He gives examples such as housing segregation, the New Deal's selective benefits, and the disproportionate wealth gap that have emerged from historical injustices. Failing to connect past actions to present-day outcomes leads to misconceptions about why certain communities struggle more than others. An informed perspective on history not only enriches individual understanding but also shapes societal narratives that contribute to systemic change.
Personal Encounters with History at Monticello
Clint Smith recounts a pivotal visit to Monticello, revealing the profound impact historical narratives have on individuals who confront the complexities of iconic figures like Thomas Jefferson. During a guided tour focused on Jefferson's role as a slave owner, several participants were visibly unsettled upon learning these details, illustrating how education can challenge preconceived notions. This reaction underscores the importance of presenting a full historical account that includes uncomfortable truths alongside celebrated accomplishments. Engaging with these narratives enables a deeper understanding of America's founding principles and their contradictions, fostering critical discussions about identity and history.
The Erasure of Marginalized Histories and Its Consequences
The conversation highlights the significant harm caused by attempts to erase or minimize marginalized histories from public discourse and education. By ignoring the experiences of historically oppressed groups, society risks perpetuating ignorance and misunderstanding about current social dynamics. The psychological impact of such erasure on individuals who have lived through these histories is profound, as it diminishes their identity and lived experiences. Furthermore, for those unaware of these histories, it creates an abstract view of racial and systemic issues, preventing meaningful dialogue and empathy necessary for societal progress.
In an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” President Trump targeted the Smithsonian, demanding that “improper ideology” be removed from exhibits. Under the order, exhibits that “divide” Americans will be defunded, including portrayals of race and its history at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. We talk to Clint Smith, Atlantic staff writer and author of “How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America,” about the battle over how American history is told.
Guests:
Clint Smith, poet; author; staff writer, The Atlantic. His books are "Above Ground" and "How the Word is Passed."
Key Jo Lee, chief of curatorial affairs and public program, Museum of the African Diaspora
