2
For this analysis, I will be covering the following story “
Exhibit of Religious Items At Las Vegas Museum Sparks Controversy
” Published in the Santa-Fe New Mexicans Paper written by Daniel Chacon. Link to article:
www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/exhibit-of-religious-
items-at-las-vegas-museum-sparks-controversy/article_d657779e-abc7-11ec-a34f-
3ff1937d7c7e.html
The recent controversy surrounding the exhibit of religious items at the Las Vegas
Museum has shed light on the complex intersection of religion, ethics, and societal norms. The
exhibit, which was purportedly linked to a group of hooded nightriders from the late 1800s,
sparked concern among city officials and the local community. Mayor Louie Trujillo expressed
initial reservations about the exhibit, unsure if it was appropriate for public display. As he delved
deeper into the matter, consulting with organizers and studying the exhibit, Trujillo's concerns
grew. As stated in the article:
The city manager had imposed a Friday deadline for the Community Services
Department, which oversees the museum, to remove the exhibit of religious relics
believed to be connected to a resistance group of nightriders known as Las Gorras
Blancas, or the White Caps.” (Chacon, 2022)
However, it was the emergence of photos on social media showing individuals wearing white
hoods and participating in religious rituals in front of the exhibit that escalated the controversy.
This display of the white hoods and their association with a historical group known for defending
land grant communities and opposing East Coast capitalists caused Mayor Trujillo and others to
question the intentions and implications of the exhibit.
