Women on the $10?
On June 18th, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced a plan to put a woman on the next bill up for redesign - the $10 note. Unfortunately, this is less than an ideal response to the Women on the 20s Campaign. Choice of the $20 bill was calculated.
First, the $20 bill is one of the most circulated bills in the United States (proceeded only by $1 and $100 notes). In addition, it is the most common bill dispensed by ATMs and, therefore, the most common note used by average Americans. Second, Andrew Jackson, who is the current face of the $20, is known for his mistreatment of Native Americans and hatred of paper currency. He is not an exemplary figure worthy of memorialization on our currency.
Unfortunately, according to Secretary Lew's announcement, not only will the chosen woman be relegated to the less valuable $10 bill, but she will not actually be replacing Alexander Hamilton. Instead, the woman will share the bill with the visionary founding father.
All of this seems a little too reminiscent of how women are treated in this country...
I think John Oliver covers this story best. Here is a video of his commentary as seen on his HBO show, Last Week Tonight:
First, the $20 bill is one of the most circulated bills in the United States (proceeded only by $1 and $100 notes). In addition, it is the most common bill dispensed by ATMs and, therefore, the most common note used by average Americans. Second, Andrew Jackson, who is the current face of the $20, is known for his mistreatment of Native Americans and hatred of paper currency. He is not an exemplary figure worthy of memorialization on our currency.
Unfortunately, according to Secretary Lew's announcement, not only will the chosen woman be relegated to the less valuable $10 bill, but she will not actually be replacing Alexander Hamilton. Instead, the woman will share the bill with the visionary founding father.
All of this seems a little too reminiscent of how women are treated in this country...
I think John Oliver covers this story best. Here is a video of his commentary as seen on his HBO show, Last Week Tonight:
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