Staff Reports
In a bold and unexpected move, the Kennedy Center’s board made the controversial decision to change the name of the iconic cultural institution by adding President Trump’s name to it. This news ignited quite the firestorm, especially among Democrats who reacted with their usual mix of drama and hyperbole. They seemed to believe that the apocalypse had arrived, bemoaning the idea as if it were an end-of-civilization scenario. Their over-the-top lamentations focused on the supposed degradation of a historic American legacy, with hysterical predictions about redecorating landmarks with Trump’s likeness invading their nightmares.
Now, let’s pause to chuckle at this melodrama. Calling it the Trump Kennedy Center isn’t likely to change how most people refer to it. One can imagine the average Joe rolling his eyes, fully aware that names of buildings rarely affect one’s intrinsic cultural value. The center will host the same concerts and events regardless of what name stands above the door. It’s a name, not an overthrow of the arts.
In all this commotion, a deeper irony should be noted. The very individuals expressing their outrage over this naming business appear to have selective amnesia. Just a few summers ago, there were widespread acts of vandalism across the country involving monuments, including many that honored presidents like Lincoln. Somehow, their sense of pride over American heritage and respect for landmark names was conspicuously absent then. Apparently, some statues deserve more reverence than others, depending on whose narrative they fit.
One can’t ignore a fine layer of irony over Trump’s reasoning to have his name plastered before Kennedy’s. After all, Trump put effort into renovating the center, revitalizing it for future generations to enjoy. It’s almost as if he’s extending a larger-than-life wink to his critics, knowing full well that the name change causes their heads to spin. People might not like Trump, and they’re free to express it. However, alleging that a mere name change signifies a death knell for democracy reeks of exaggeration. A tad theatrical, wouldn’t you say?
In reality, this is little more than a playful jab back at Trump’s critics, taking advantage of their predictable capacity for outrage. The renovated Kennedy Center, regardless of what it’s called, will continue to be a place for culture and arts, a fitting tribute to its legacy. Perhaps people should spend more time enjoying what the center offers and less time obsessing over the letters adorning its entrance. It’s about what happens inside that truly matters, not the name tag on the door.
