Harriet F. Senie

Harriet F. Senie is the recipient of the College Art Association’s Distinguished Teaching of Art History Award.

Memorials to Shattered Myths

Vietnam to 9/11

By Harriet F. Senie

Now Available!

The Vietnam War, Oklahoma City bombing, Columbine High School shooting, and attacks of 9/11 all shattered myths of national identity. Vietnam was a war the U.S. didn't win on the ground in Asia or politically at home; Oklahoma City revealed domestic terrorism in the heartland; Columbine debunked legends of high school as an idyllic time; and 9/11 demonstrated U.S. vulnerability to international terrorism.

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Monumental Controversies: Mount Rushmore, Four Presidents, and Our Complex National Identity

Perhaps our most famous national monument, Mount Rushmore is riddled with contradictions. On land that was taken from the Lakota Sioux, sculpted by Gutzon Borglum who was the original designer of Stone Mountain and associated with the KKK, it depicts four of our best-known presidents all of whom accomplished great things, but were also known for policies that no longer coincide with espoused national values. Monumental Controversies begins by considering these contradictions; it then discusses the significant accomplishments of each represented president and the ways they have been commemorated in other memorials, as well as their problematic policies regarding Native Americans, African Americans, women, and territorial expansion/imperialism. The book advocates evolving our thinking from “or” to “and” - acknowledging that these men made valuable contributions to the nation but also held beliefs and enacted policies that are anathema to current ethical and moral standards. Finally, it explores various strategies for bridging that currently insurmountable contradiction.