Mt. Rushmore Essay

by Uzma Ansari

            George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, American presidents of the past, are currently immortalized on Mt. Rushmore as symbols of our country.  However, collectively, these four are an extremely poor, mediocre representation of America during the twentieth century.  The ideal Mt. Rushmore would depict a symbol of the everyday/unseen hero, a representation of triumph, a symbol of knowledge, and an emblem of pop culture. For this reason, Homer Simpson, Madhuri Dixit, Fred Rogers, and Michael Jackson should be commemorated in place of those dead presidents.

As an exhibition of the American mind-frame during the nineties, Homer Simpson should be honored on Mt. Rushmore.  Obviously, the concept of having the half-bald, somewhat intellectually challenged, beer-bellied head of the animated Simpsons clan honored in such a venerable position seems a trifle absurd.  However, it is the strength of heart and good nature behind the laziness and stupidity of Homer that makes his idiosyncrasies a symbol of the average American.  When learning of his daughter Lisa’s plans to become a vegetarian, Homer’s carnivorous love for meat led him to have a bar-b-q in his backyard to spite his daughter.  Like many people in this world, because he had an opposing belief on a particular topic, he decided to exert vengeance on the opposite side- in this case the vegan side.  However, unlike many people of our time, Homer was able to understand his daughter’s contrasting point of view towards food, and he came to accept and love her as she was.  Perhaps the ebb of fundamental love can be hindered as people of future generations will have the ability to look deeper than exterior, negative facades and imitate the essence of Homer Simpson’s genuine benevolence.

Although vastly unheard of in the United States, Indian film actress Madhuri Dixit would make a significant addition to Mt. Rushmore.  In the Indian film world of Bollywood where actresses were once only accredited based on their looks, heroine-oriented films were often times ignored, disregarded, and neglected, despite their outstanding merit.  Upon arriving on the Bollywood scene, Madhuri was able to shatter the critical slander of true actresses.  Not only was she able to stun the mostly male Indian film critics with her beauty, but she was also able to dumbfound them with her astounding acting prowess and self-respecting, confident demeanor.  In her movie Khalnayak (translation= evil), she plays the role of a female police officer, and fiancé of another prominent protector of justice.  Her character is able to capture a notorious criminal while her fiancé merely sits at home, waits and worries for her.  In an industry where actresses were once used merely as sex objects, they are now playing the role of strong characters, and inspiring Indian women around the world to shatter their once expected submissive stance, and stand up for themselves.

The fresh-cardigan-wearing, loafer-changing Mr. Rogers, a human manifestation of childhood wonder and intrigue would further enhance the ideal Mt. Rushmore.  With his show “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” he has been the initial spark to most young American children’s minds for over two decades.  The love and sincerity with which he introduces new ideas and molds fresh young minds is a great inspiration to everyone.  Unlike youth-oriented television shows these days, “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” is a truly educational experience for children. Television shows such as the “Telletubbies” and “Pokeman” are mere distractions for youngsters, serving no educational purpose whatsoever.  Mr. Rogers’ program shows children how various things are made (pasta and crayons for example), introduces us to the marvelous world of various animals (penguins were my favorite), and teaches us to be good citizens of society.   His presence immortalized in stone will ensure that future generations will have their minds sparked by the same catalyst that has initiated children’s minds of the eighties and nineties.

Declining to pay homage to an individual who as altered music of the twentieth century in a remarkable fashion would be ridiculous.  For this reason, Michael Jackson should be commemorated on Mt. Rushmore.  He began his legacy at the age of eleven.  While most children were playing baseball or trading baseball cards at that point in their lives, Michael Jackson was beginning the start to a new era.  With emotionally charged lyrics that stimulate the mind, rhythms that flow into one’s veins and pulsate within one’s soul, and an extraordinarily singular voice, his albums and music videos have not only shattered records and racial barriers, but they have also inspired countless artists of the late twentieth century to master their craft.  His influence on pop music is undeniable, and unforgettable.  In addition, his Heal the World foundation has donated millions of dollars to children in need around the world.  Future generations should be able to acknowledge and pay tribute to such a one who has changed the melody of this century.

Homer Simpson, Madhuri Dixit, Fred Rogers, and Michael Jackson- all four prime examples of what mankind should strive for.  All four are understanding and caring individuals who have changed the lives of those who have extracted elements of compassion and/or strength from them.  Perhaps as we currently see our world degenerating into pure garbage, their examples will help future generations to understand each other, help one another, stimulate each other’s minds, and bring joy and harmony to each other’s souls.