Last week, Dr. Ben Carson was asked about his feelings on Harriet Tubman being on a $20 bill. His response sparked much controversy, as he suggested that a better option would have been placing her on a $2 bill. In just one week, Dr. Carson became one of the most notorious people in the country by a wide span of ethnicities, especially African Americans. I was one of them.
I must admit. Placing one of the most pivotal people in the history of mankind on a $20 bill was exciting. However, as I thought more about and peeled the layers of what it really represents, I began to reconsider and question the motives.
I have opened my mind more due to more data was presented. Not only does the value of a $20 bill decrease by the second due to rapidly increasing levels of national debt, but Tubman deserves a monument in Maryland or Philly, even a holiday could be strongly argued. Instead, I’ll get a $20 bill, just to bury it in my pocket and spend it on something far less valuable.
At least the $2 bill is a collectible item, which is appreciated much more than a $20 and more valuable symbolically. I was very critical of Carson’s remarks, but he did a tremendous job clearing the air in a recent article. He explained how the decision does not properly represent the worth of such an amazing hero, and that placing her on a piece of paper that is losing value can even be classified as disrespectful.
“Harriet Tubman would likely be turning over in her grave if she knew she would be the new face of American debt slavery. She would revile the cheap trick being pulled on African Americans in getting them to support this nearly bankrupt symbol of American debt. It is amazing how, just as the currency dwindles down to near worthlessness – all of a sudden the Government wants to invoke Harriet Tubman as a symbol on the twenty dollar bill,” says Dr. Carson.
As a proud black man who is about to become a doctor, I cannot settle for handouts and invitations that limit me from thinking higher. My capacity of success will not be shrouded by ceilings that are lower than my dreams. I echo Ms. Tubman in believing that nothing can stop a goal worth fighting for. She set the bar, and it would be an honor to even touch it with my fingertips.
So, well done Dr Carson for clearing your stance. I get it now, and I agree.
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