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A right-wing nonprofit media organization, PragerU, is currently facing significant backlash. The controversy stems from a resurfaced animated video for children that appears to downplay the severity of slavery. This incident comes amidst discussions that PragerU could potentially become a replacement for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Controversial Content for Young Audiences
The contentious animated clip features a cartoon rendition of Christopher Columbus. In the video, Columbus suggests that the institution of slavery is “as old as time and has taken place in every corner of the world.” The character further argues, “Being taken as a slave is better than being killed, no? Before you judge, you must ask yourself, ‘What did the culture and the society of the time treat as no big deal?’”
This portrayal, presented in a colorful, child-friendly cartoon format, is part of PragerU’s extensive library of “educational” videos designed for young viewers. Critics argue that such content distorts historical facts and normalizes grave injustices for impressionable minds.
An Open Mission: Indoctrination Through Conservative Content
Reports indicate that PragerU co-founder Dennis Prager has been transparent about the organization’s overarching mission: to indoctrinate children with a right-wing ideology. According to MSNBC, PragerU’s 2022 annual report openly declared its intent to compete with established youth media giants like PBS and Disney.
The report stated, “Arming parents and educators with the pro-America content they are craving—we are going toe-to-toe with massive youth media companies like PBS Kids and Disney.”
While PragerU’s videos mimic the visual style of typical children’s programming, their messaging has drawn considerable criticism. Previous content from the platform has reportedly included denials of Native American history, dismissals of Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a source of “guilt,” climate change denial, and the promotion of Islamophobic rhetoric.
Gaining Endorsements: State Approval and Federal Support
Despite ongoing controversies, PragerU has secured official partnerships in several states, including Alaska, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Notably, Florida became the first state in 2023 to approve PragerU content for use within public school curricula.
The most significant endorsement, however, has come from the Trump administration. On July 24, President Trump signed a bill that slashed $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, an action that directly impacts PBS, NPR, and over 1,500 local stations. Just one day later, PragerU collaborated with the Department of Education to launch a White House museum exhibit titled “The Road to Liberty.” This exhibit notably featured AI-generated “commentary” from the Founding Fathers, heavily leaning into conservative talking points.
Reshaping Cultural Institutions and American History
This move is part of a broader cultural initiative by the Trump administration. Reports indicate a “comprehensive review” of Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The stated objective is to “celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.”
The effects of this campaign are already apparent. The National Museum of American History temporarily removed references to Trump’s two impeachments, and the director of the National Portrait Gallery, Kim Sajet, resigned following claims by Trump that he had fired her.
The Dangers of Revisionist History
The presentation of slavery as “no big deal” in a children’s cartoon is not merely offensive; it represents a dangerous form of revisionist history. With PragerU positioned as a potential replacement for PBS and the Trump administration actively reshaping major cultural institutions, there is a clear effort to rebrand difficult truths about America’s past under the guise of “exceptionalism.”
The concern remains: if such a profound and painful chapter as slavery can be minimized and brushed aside, what other critical historical events might be “erased” or reinterpreted next?
#BanPragerU