Exhibits at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History intertwine sports and entertainment with contemporary political themes, reflecting a growing trend of “woke” messaging on race and gender.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History has recently come under scrutiny for its exhibits that present the nation’s history through the lens of minority oppression. A tour conducted by Fox News Digital revealed that many displays link sports and entertainment to divisive political topics, showcasing a trend that some critics have labeled as “woke” history.
One of the most prominent exhibits, the Entertainment Nation Exhibit, serves as a focal point for this narrative. This series of installations primarily highlights sports, television, and music, presenting them as platforms for social justice and activism. Among the displays is a tribute to the 2010 “Los Suns” protest, which features a basketball jersey worn by a Phoenix Suns player during the demonstration against Arizona’s controversial immigration law.
The placard accompanying this display states, “In solidarity with the Latinx community, the Phoenix Suns basketball team challenged Arizona’s new immigration law on the court.” The law, which empowered police to question individuals about their immigration status, was criticized for targeting Spanish-speaking individuals. The Suns described the legislation as a violation of “our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law.”
Another notable exhibit features a mannequin head adorned with a hijab, representing the first Muslim woman to win a major ice skating competition while wearing the religious head covering. This display emphasizes the intersection of sports and cultural identity, showcasing the challenges faced by athletes from minority backgrounds.
Additionally, the museum connects the 2014 “X-Men” film to the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained momentum that summer. A placard highlights how the film’s narrative of discrimination resonates with the real-life struggles of the Black community. “As #BlackLivesMatter went viral in the summer of 2014, one of the first Black woman superheroes was fighting discrimination on the big screen,” it reads, featuring a costume worn by actress Halle Berry.
The exhibit also pays homage to the popular television series “Glee,” which ran for eight seasons and is celebrated for its diverse representation. The placard describes how the show “celebrated the arts, and, most importantly, humanity,” portraying a fictional high school glee club that included students from various backgrounds, including Black, white, Asian, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. The message emphasizes unity and support among the characters, reflecting the show’s motto: “See the world not as it is, but as it should be.”
In another display, the museum honors NBA legend Bill Russell, not only for his athletic prowess but also for his activism. The placard states, “Bill Russell was a defensive powerhouse on the court who played offense against racism.” It highlights his achievements as a five-time MVP and his role in leading the first NBA game boycott in 1961 to protest racial discrimination.
Moreover, the exhibit features items belonging to rapper Nipsey Hussle, including a massive gold chain, a crew neck sweatshirt, and handwritten song lyrics. The placard notes that “Nipsey Hussle’s political ethos was as strong as his rap,” detailing his contributions to music, activism, and community empowerment. Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, was known for his insights into West Coast life and his efforts to inspire political engagement among youth.
Other displays include a jersey worn by Jason Collins, the first active and openly gay NBA player, and a hat worn by Dr. Anthony Fauci during a ceremonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals game following the COVID-19 shutdowns. The museum also highlights the struggles of female skateboarders to gain recognition in a male-dominated sport.
As the Smithsonian continues to evolve, its exhibits reflect a broader cultural dialogue surrounding race, gender, and social justice. Critics argue that the museum’s focus on these themes represents a significant shift in how American history is presented, with some labeling it as “indoctrination” rather than education.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Smithsonian for comment regarding the direction of its exhibits and the ongoing discussions surrounding its portrayal of American history.
According to Fox News, the museum’s approach has sparked debate about the role of cultural institutions in shaping public understanding of history and social issues.