Indigenous People Are Going to Mount Rushmore to Flip the Finger at the Monument, and It’s Awesome

In a bold and symbolic act of defiance, Indigenous people are heading to Mount Rushmore to give the monument the finger. Yep, you read that right. This powerful gesture is more than just an act of rebellion; it’s a statement that resonates with history, culture, and the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights.

Why are indigenous people doing that?

Mount Rushmore, an American symbol etched into the Black Hills of South Dakota, stands as a monumental tribute to four U.S. presidents. But for Indigenous people, it represents something far more complex and painful. The land on which Mount Rushmore was carved is sacred to the Lakota Sioux, and its seizure by the U.S. government in the 1800s is a lingering wound.

The iconic faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln loom large over land that was promised to the Lakota in the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868. The discovery of gold led to the U.S. government reclaiming the land, and the monument itself, created between 1927 and 1941, stands as a stark reminder of broken promises and cultural erasure.

But now, Indigenous people are flipping the narrative, quite literally. They are taking to Mount Rushmore to flip the bird in an act of reclaiming their heritage and voicing their ongoing resistance against historical injustices. This act is not just about a gesture; it’s about reclaiming space, asserting identity, and demanding respect.

And they are sharing it with the world. Indigenous people are taking selfies and posting these defiant images on social media, using hashtags to spread their message far and wide. This movement is awesome in its raw, unapologetic power. It’s a reminder that the stories and histories we honor must be inclusive and respectful of all peoples. The act of giving the finger to Mount Rushmore is a visual, in-your-face declaration that Indigenous voices will not be silenced.

These social media posts are going viral, sparking conversations and raising awareness about the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous communities. It’s also a call to action. The movement encourages others to join in solidarity, to understand the deep-seated issues, and to advocate for Indigenous rights. It’s about more than just a monument; it’s about justice, recognition, and the right to self-determination.

As Indigenous people take this bold stand, it’s a powerful reminder to all of us that history is not just a series of events in the past but an ongoing narrative that we all contribute to. Their actions at Mount Rushmore are a testament to resilience and the enduring fight for justice. And yes, it’s awesome.

In the spirit of solidarity and support, let’s amplify these voices and acknowledge the rightful place of Indigenous people in our shared history. Their defiance is not just a middle finger to a monument; it’s a call for change and respect that we should all stand behind. So, scroll through those powerful selfies, share their message, and join the movement for a more just and inclusive future.