The History of the Future According to J.D. Vance, 2026
The excerpt written on the chalkboard was taken from a 2016 essay written by J.D. Vance for the Atlantic, entitled Opioid for the Masses, which was republished in 2026. In it, he calls out then candidate Donald Trump for only saying things to fire people up, regardless of how polarizing, xenophobic, and racist they are. He likens his lack of substance and follow-through to heroin. He points out how dangerous he would be as president, and how America would suffer.
Despite being erased from the chalkboard, the words are still visible. Weathered American flag sandals sit in the corner of the classroom where the American flag would have typically gone and also where “dunces” were once forced to sit.
Below is the quote:
“The great tragedy is that many of the problems Trump identifies are real, and so many of the hurts he exploits demand serious thought and measured action—from governments, yes, but also from community leaders and individuals. Yet so long as people rely on that quick high, so long as wolves point their fingers at everyone but themselves, the nation delays a necessary reckoning. There is no self-reflection in the midst of a false euphoria. Trump is cultural heroin. He makes some feel better for a bit. But he cannot fix what ails them, and one day they’ll realize it.”
16’ x 8’ (area includes chalkboard and sandals)
chalkboard with attached bulletin boards, American flag sandals, chalk, clock
