In the year 1872, artist John Gast created a painting titled "American Progress", which has since become one of the most iconic and controversial depictions of American history. The painting, which portrays a white woman dressed in flowing white robes, is seen hovering over a group of Native Americans, as she moves westward with a book, a telegraph wire, and a schoolhouse in the background.
At first glance, this painting may seem like a harmless representation of the progress and expansion of America, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a much darker and disturbing reality. The painting "American Progress" is often hailed as a symbol of Manifest Destiny - the belief that it was America's divine destiny to expand westward and bring civilization to the wild and uncivilized lands. However, when we delve deeper into the symbolism and context of this painting, it becomes clear that it is not a celebration of progress and growth but rather a representation of white nationalism and the propagandization of white supremacy.
The most striking element in this painting is the figure of the white woman, who is often interpreted as Columbia - the personification of America. She is portrayed as a symbol of purity and beauty, with her flowing white dress representing innocence and divinity. This portrayal is indicative of how white women were elevated to a superior status in society during this time period. They were seen as the epitome of beauty and were used to promote white superiority. Furthermore, the fact that she is moving westward with a book in her hand symbolizes the spread of education and civilization by white Americans. It conveys the idea that it was their responsibility to bring knowledge and enlightenment to these "savages" who were believed to be living in a state of ignorance.
This ties back to the concept of Manifest Destiny, where white Americans saw it as their duty to bring progress and development to the land they deemed as empty and unoccupied. The telegraph wire and the schoolhouse in the background also play a significant role in the painting. They represent the advancement of technology and education, which were seen as signs of progress and development. However, the placement of these elements in the background while the white woman takes center stage illustrates how they were used as tools to further the agenda of white nationalism.
The Native Americans in the painting are depicted as inferior and uncivilized, with their traditional way of life being disrupted by the arrival of white Americans. They are shown as being pushed aside and forced to make way for the progress and expansion of America. This portrayal of Native Americans is not only dehumanizing but also perpetuates the harmful stereotype of them being savage and primitive. Moreover, the fact that they are being replaced by white Americans, who are portrayed as pure and divine, sends a powerful message of white supremacy. It reinforces the belief that only white people were capable of bringing progress and development to this land, while Native Americans were seen as obstacles in the way of achieving this goal.
It is essential to note that this painting was created at a time when white nationalism was rampant in America. The country had just gone through a civil war, and there was an increasing fear among white Americans about losing their power and dominance. In such a climate, paintings like "American Progress" were used as a tool to promote and justify white supremacy.
In conclusion, "American Progress" may seem like a harmless representation of America's growth and expansion, but it is, in fact, a potent symbol of white nationalism and the propagandization of white supremacy. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes, glorifies the superiority of white people, and diminishes the rights and existence of Native Americans. As we reflect on this painting and its impact on American history, it is crucial to acknowledge its troubling message and work towards dismantling systems of oppression that continue to exist in our society today.
This video, titled "Controversy Surrounding John Gast's 'American Progress' Painting: Exploring America's Legacy, dives into the iconic 1872 painting "American Progress" by John Gast. The video explains how this artwork acts as a blueprint for the national belief system of Manifest Destiny, which was the idea that the U.S. was divinely destined to expand across the continent. The video breaks down the painting's symbolism:
*Columbia: The central figure, Columbia, represents the United States, floating westward as a "goddess of light". Her translucent quality suggests her movement is based on a higher, divine mandate rather than human politics.
*Tools of Progress: Columbia carries a schoolbook, symbolizing education and Western learning. In her other hand, she actively strings a telegraph wire, representing rapid communication and control across the continent.
*East vs. West: The painting is visually divided. The East is depicted in bright, clear light with established farms, cities, and infrastructure like railroad tracks, representing order and progress. The West, in contrast, is dark, rugged, and untamed, portraying it as chaos and wilderness needing to be conquered.
*Displacement: The West also shows bison and Native Americans fleeing the light, equating the destruction of nature with the destruction of indigenous cultures. The painting minimizes the violence and suffering involved in this displacement, framing it as a necessary step for American advancement. In essence, the video argues that the painting visually justifies Manifest Destiny, turning political policy into divine destiny and encouraging viewers to overlook the human cost of westward expansion.
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