Future Casting at the New Mexico History Museum

Despite the unfortunate presentation of the “Reversing Manifest Destiny” painting above, it represents quite a powerful statement with the Native Americans, Spanish, and buffalo roaring back. There is an incredible mix of cultures in New Mexico that appear to co-exist in acceptance. According to the Economic Development Department of New Mexico, the current population of the state is approximately 49% Hispanic, 11% Native American, 3% Asian, 3% African American, and 36% white, not Hispanic (or Anglo, as they refer to it). There have been intense struggles and fighting since the Spanish first arrived, then followed by the Anglos. Although I am under no illusion that today all is distributed equitably, everyone appears to have a seat at the table.

White man’s view of Manifest Destiny: American Progress, 1872, John Gast.