Mount Rushmore: Updates and the Political Norm

Mount Rushmore is an iconic monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota, featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents#8212;George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. However, the idea of adding more recent U.S. presidents to the monument has intrigued both supporters and critics. Let's explore the history and the ongoing debates.

Historical Context and Original Design

Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor and designer of Mount Rushmore, embarked on a monumental project to create a lasting tribute to the nation's leaders. Initially, he planned to include 16 presidents, but due to the geological fragility and structural limitations of George Washington's face, the scope was eventually narrowed down to four.

Borglum's original design required substantial modifications. After realizing that the rock structure of the mountain wouldn't support his initial plans, a reworking of the project was necessary. These challenges highlight the incredible engineering and artistic feats involved in shaping the monument into the iconic figures it is today.

No Serious Attempts to Update Mount Rushmore

While the idea of updating Mount Rushmore with more recent U.S. presidents might seem plausible, there have been no serious attempts to do so. In the rare instances when the topic is brought up, it usually involves proposals from either the right or the left.

Right-wing proponents often suggest adding Ronald Reagan's face to the monument. Reagan was known for his conservative policies and strong leadership during a period of significant economic and social changes in the United States. However, this suggestion is met with strong opposition from the left, and it's important to acknowledge that adding Reagan's face would not be a simple task.

Left-wing proponents have also suggested including Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) or John F. Kennedy (JFK). FDR, a Democratic leader who guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II, is often seen as a symbol of national resilience and progress. Similarly, JFK, another Democratic figure, is remembered for his youthful energy and attempts to address civil rights issues.

The Political and Practical Challenges

Any attempt to add another face to Mount Rushmore would face significant practical and political challenges. Here are some of the issues that would need to be addressed:

Geological Fragility: Mount Rushmore is built into soft granite, making the addition of another face a hazardous and potentially destructive venture. Even the smallest miscalculation could result in damage to the existing sculptures. Cost and Time: The project to create the four current faces was both time-consuming and expensive. An update would likely be even more so, involving specialized skills and technology. Political Opposition: Any proposal to add a new face would face strong opposition from various political factions. Proponents of the current faces would fiercely defend their inclusion, while others would argue that it would alter the original vision of the monument.

The mere fact that Mount Rushmore has been left as a magnificent piece of art and historical monument is a testament to its status. Any attempt to modify it further would likely be seen as diminishing its integrity and significance.

Conclusion

While the idea of updating Mount Rushmore with more recent U.S. presidents continues to spark debate, there has been a notable lack of serious attempts to do so. The challenges related to the monument's geological fragility, the extensive cost, and the political opposition make any such endeavor extremely unlikely. As such, Mount Rushmore remains a cherished and respected symbol of the United States' history and heritage, as originally envisioned by Gutzon Borglum.