The Dark Legacy of Slavery: Why 'Scourged Back' Is Being Hit With Censorship

“Scourged Back” serves as a powerful reminder of slavery's horrors, illustrating a Louisiana man who endured bondage through the vivid welts and scars etched across his back. This iconic 19th-century photograph played a pivotal role in the abolitionist movement during the Civil War, shedding light on the brutal truths of slavery to a northern audience largely unaware of its grim realities.More than 150 years later, the photograph still holds significant meaning, with various U.S. institutions showcasing it to inform a society grappling with its past.Recently, this poignant image has become central to political debates regarding historical interpretation in museums. Reports indicated that a national park reportedly faced instructions from the Trump administration to eliminate the photograph, perceived as damaging to America's narrative. While the Department of the Interior has denied these claims, artists and activists have voiced their concerns, highlighting the alarming ramifications of such censorship.