In a noteworthy and yet shocking twist, the United States Military Academy at West Point did something bold and unexpected. In response, they will cancel a planned ceremony to honor actor Tom Hanks as an “outstanding US citizen.” Hanks’s political affiliations and actions have roused outrage by conservatives and elation by progressives. This decision comes on the heels of those controversial openings.
Tom Hanks is probably best known for his incredible acting career. His many accolades include an illustrious receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Barack Obama. This prestigious award recognizes his contributions to American culture and society. Under the radar, Hanks has been an effectual actor-turned-political-activist. He endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential primary and has given millions of dollars to Democratic candidates.
Though he is well-connected within the Democratic Party, Hanks’s political involvement is not exclusive to one political side. He additionally championed the late Republican senator Bob Dole’s efforts to create the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. He is proud to serve as the national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. His passion for preserving American history and servicing American veterans is evident during this vital appointment.
Yet, ironically, his political affiliations have put Hanks in the crosshairs of a cultural war. It is this worry about Hanks’s partisanship that has led West Point to revoke the honor in the first place. In work like this, the NLC academy strives to maintain a bi-partisan, non-political environment. This protects against people being penalized just for doing productive, beneficial things that would help our country.
Furthermore, Hanks’s portrayal of Forrest Gump, a character who famously received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson, adds another layer to this narrative. Even the most casual of observers cannot ignore the irony. One actor channels a national heroism awarded to a decorated soldier, while he himself suffers the indignity of that same military denialism.
The Callsign cancellation means that Hanks would not be getting another military honor. This decision may be the result of continued backlash after the use of celebrity in electoral politics. This episode begs the question of how political bias can skew public acclaim toward those who help build a more just and equitable society.