The cost of representation

By: Emily Krupicka

For the past century, Former Slave and Abolitionist Harriet Tubman has served as a powerful symbol of women’s rights. As a result, her portrait was set to appear on the $20 bill in March 2020, marking the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. This, however, will not occur.

According to an NPR article, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced the delay last May during a hearing before the House Financial Service Committee. In his statement, he revealed that the release would be deferred for almost a decade. Although the exact reason for the postponement was not revealed, many speculate that it was in effort to avoid a confrontation with President Donald Trump, who has spoken out against the idea.

The idea to put Tubman on the bill was first coined in 2016 by former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew under the Obama administration in an attempt to honor the Underground Railroad hero and provide greater representation for females and African Americans. Trump, however, has derided the suggestion as “pure political correctness.” Instead, he has proposed putting her face on the $2 bill in an attempt to compromise, as stated by an article in The New York Times.

A BBC article reports that, as of last June, a leaked prototype of the bill has been circulating the internet. The chosen picture displays a familiar image of Tubman wearing a buttoned coat and a light smile. In a series of street interviews that the BBC conducted, it was revealed that many see her soft expression as something that “portrays emotions of both contentment and determination.”

In contrast, the current face on the bill is Andrew Jackson, whose blank face appears unfeeling. Jackson’s placement on the bill may be ironic, as he strongly opposed the national bank and paper currency during his presidency. However, despite many advocating for the change, others have spoken out in favor of keeping the seventh president on the bill.

If a change were to occur, Jackson would remain on the bill but would be placed on the back side.

In the upcoming years, it is unclear on whether or not we will see real change reflected onto paper money. However, there is one fact that remains clear: as of now, America is not willing to pay the price of representation.

Photo obtained from the New York Times.