It is unfortunate that they are considered public art works rather than memorializing them. There are a variety of reasons why Confederate monuments should be removed from public spaces. His policies were also deadly for thousands of Native Americans. A statue must be erected on land that is yours and have the authority to do so. Those who argue against keeping political statues in public spaces typically make the following points: 1. Q: How do we decide what stays and what goes? The movement against him is part of a wider drive to get rid of monuments to figures who are now. In response to a question posed by The Daily Mail, the Queen Mothers statue in Trafalgar Square should be chosen. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin. [15] [16], However, after the Confederate States lost the Civil War, the South revised history. The Onion looks at the pros and cons of removing historical statues. In the modern-day case of the removal of U.S. monuments that many argue commend white supremacy and colonialism, the shift in power could be seen as from those who deny the racist overtones of such structures or who maintain that some monuments have historical or aesthetic value worth preserving to those who embrace a national culture of inclusion. For one thing, it can be a close question whether a persons extraordinary feats made the world a better place: Franklin D. Roosevelt is widely commemorated, even though scholarsstill argueover whether his leadership during the Great Depression actually improved American life. It does not disqualify him that he selected a husband for his daughter rather than allowing her to select one for herself. Is there a higher moral cause that supersedes the law? Should Statues Be Removed and Destroyed? | Guest Contributor - Politics Red Or they go up because of T.J.s views on separation of church and state and other values that we hold dear. Both Washington and Jefferson were critical to the formation of the country and to the shaping of it in its early years. Opinion: Don't Take Down Confederate Monuments. Here's Why. The debate over removing Confederate statues continues to rage. The Confederates lost the war, the rebellion. SINHA: I think then it becomes a purely destructive exercise, a way you are simply destroying all monuments and all statues. The definition of a statue includes a work of art that represents something as well. Robert E. Lees statue, for example, is regarded as particularly offensive due to his role in defending slavery and the Confederacy. PRO AND CON: Should Confederate monuments be removed? First, removing all these statues and monuments cost a lot of money and take a long time. Gary Younge is a professor of sociology at the University of Manchester. 4. Many in that group argue the monuments represent Southern heritage. [23] For example, the Confederate statues in the Capitol building should embody our highest ideals as Americans, expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation. While he hoped the next generation would abolish slavery, he wrote in 1820 that maintaining the institution of slavery was like holding a wolf by the ear, and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. [40], Grant came from an abolitionist family, freed the one slave he owned in 1859, supported black enlisted Army men, led the Union Army in the Civil War to abolish slavery, and was endorsed by Frederick Douglass for president. Public Symbols of the Confederacy, splcenter.org, Feb. 1, 2019, 15. Does removing statues of Columbus or Confederate officials pave the way for action against monuments honoring those who helped create the United States? The statues were built to honor and enforce white supremacist views, and the intent or damaging effect have not been erased by time. Accuracy and availability may vary. A 2018 report from the Southern Poverty Law Center found there are more than 1,700 monuments to the Confederacy still in public spaces. Their actions also took a violent turn, as when revolutionaries murdered bishops and priests who refused to sign a loyalty oath. A: What we choose to memorialize speaks to our values as a society, and often, certain populations are excluded entirely from that. The Confederate statues were put up when they were put up [not just after the war but largely during periods of Civil Rights tension in the 20th century], to send a message about white supremacy, and to sentimentalize people who had actively fought to preserve the system of slavery. I think it dishonors them to celebrate the men who killed them and tried to kill off the American nation. The significance of a Civil War memorial varies from group to group, and there is always an urgent need for history to be told. Many people believe that these statues and monuments are inciting white supremacy and promoting violence. Lawrence A. Kuznar, PhD, Professor of Anthropology at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Fort Wayne, stated that removing Confederate statues is a whitewashing of our history that destroys our ability to remember inconvenient truths from our past. There are valid arguments on both sides, and there is no easy answer. GORDON-REED: I suppose, if people want to, everything can pave the way to some other point. 5. 2. Plaques can describe the history of slavery and the Civil War, as well as the white supremacist legacy that led to the creation of such monuments. Juan De Anda, Why Representation Matters Now, mediapost.com, April 21, 2020, 28. Note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity. CBS News, Protesters in England Topple Statue of Slave Trader Edward Colston into Harbor, cbsnews.com, June 7, 2020, 8. Following the murder of George Floyd, I think we started to see a broader recognition of how statues in civic spaces can exclude certain people. They serve as a constant reminder of who we are and what we believe in. [4], Monuments are ultimately about which values we want to honor and put on public display. Explore the Southern Poverty Law Centers Whose Heritage: Public Symbols of the Confederacy resource, which promotes the removal of confederate statues. Rebecca Klar, Arthur Ashe Statue on Richmond's Monument Avenue Tagged with White Lives Matter Graffiti, thehill.com, June 17, 2020, 50. [10] [11] [12], Washington, Jefferson, and Grant had undeniable ties to slavery. They are usually constructed to commemorate momentous events or important figures in history. GREENE: Oh, so actually edit the arrangement of the statues. Below are the proper citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): the Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian). As for museums, people I know who work in museums tear their hair out about this suggestion, that somehow, were going to ship all these Confederate monuments off to the lucky museum that has to find a place to put them. We see this in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol. 3. Sophia A. Nelson claims in her book that Washingtons Lee University didnt hate black students because it had statues of Robert E. Lee and George Washington. Do we protect Confederate graves and battlefields? GORDON-REED: This moment feels different because theres been a great awakening in the country about police-on-citizen violence. [32]. As Rod Dreherargues in The American Conservative,Americans should not make the same mistakes as France. Chvez was once an island with no borders and no land. The people who hated having black classmates at their school didn't hate us because there were statues of Robert E. Lee or George Washington (our nation's first President and a slave owner) on. What are your thoughts on a separate museum for such statues? Must we allow symbols of racism on public land? I understand the importance of remembering those who died fighting for both sides of the war. They represent the establishments value system at any given time, regardless of the circumstances. SINHA: Exactly. I also think it gives credence to the kind of exclusionary work that they already perform. Like, FDR, after all, was responsible for the internment of Japanese American citizens. There are now more than 30 statues and monumental pieces in his honor in the United States. GREENE: But is there an argument that removing these statues could help further the fight for racial equality in our country? Only one battle was fought in the larger history wars between Columbus and Rome. Here's Why., nbcnews.com, June 1, 2017, 51. On the one hand, some argue that they are historical landmarks and should be preserved. In the United States, Confederate monuments are erected as public displays to commemorate the Confederate States of America, its soldiers and leaders. Thus, George Washington is memorialized in statues and place names, although he held slaves. I think in general in this country, statues have held up a very white, male virtue. Managing Editor David Greene talks to Manisha Sinha, professor of American history at the University of Connecticut, about the recent toppling of non-Confederate statues like those of George Washington. During the 2017 rebellion in Venezuela, at least 11 Hugo Chvez statues were torn down. GAZETTE: Many believe that taking the statues down is an attempt to cover up or erase history. The interpretations have been contradictory, and the results are presented in the form of commentaries. Lets argue about the facts, lets put them down on paper or on a marker and have a conversation about them. [24], Geoff Palmer, Scotlands first black professor, who disagrees with taking down the statues, warned against being distracted by the simple, concrete action of taking down statues: We dont want to leave this so that people looking back in 50 years will say: you know, they took the statues down, why didnt they do something about racism? [53]. History will still be taught. Debate around the removal of memorials and monuments that honor people and ideas whose messages and causes are considered offensive to certain marginalized groups has been a hot-button issue of late in the national conversation. The Confederate symbols and associated values that Americans hold in high regard are paid for by them. The rally protested the proposed removal of statues of Confederate Army GeneralsRobert E. LeeandStonewall Jackson. This article was published on January 20, 2022, at Britannica's ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. In the end, the boycott was spearheaded by African Americans who boycotted the buses for the sake of civil rights. There are pros and cons to removing statues. [39] [40] [41], However, Washington led the Continental Army to victory over the British, held together the country as the first President over two terms, resisted calls to become King of the country, and, in his will, freed his slaves upon his wifes death. This article was published on January 20, 2022, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. The racial subjugation systems he developed as a principal architect are still prevalent in southern Africa. There are pros and cons to removing statues. I dont. Many of the men with whom George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ulysses S. Grant were associated at the time were slaves. [26] A monument to the victims of slavery has also been suggested. A statue of Lord Charles Colston was erected in Britain more than 60 years before slavery was abolished there. [44] Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the white suffragists purposefully excluded black women. Today, some of the worst leaders of the French Revolution have names on public sights, like the metro station named for Maximilien Robespierre, architect of the Reign of Terror. Confederate statues were the focus of protests in Richmond, Virginia, last summer. In Valencia, a retirar a la Rplica del Imperio has been arranged. In the United States, Confederate generals were overthrown or voted out. Pros And Cons Of The Removal Of Confederate Statues | Bartleby No one puts a monument up to Washington or Jefferson to promote slavery. GAZETTE: What do you say to those who argue that the removal of such statues in prominent public settings dishonors the memory of those who died fighting for the Confederacy? Latisha Jensen, Portland Man Describes Tearing Down Thomas Jefferson Statue: Its Not Vandalism, wweek.com, June 20, 2020, 12. What purpose do they serve in society? Even after the statues were erected, there was never a common ground between them. What do you think? Thats not fair, asking me as a law professor. 5. As a result, when you reach the tierra, you will reach the arena. Historic Statue Removal - Pros & Cons - ProCon.org Lawrence A. Kuznar, I Detest Our Confederate Monuments. In the event that these statues are removed, the country would lose a valuable educational tool about the effects of the Civil War. Colleen Walsh, Must We Allow Symbols of Racism on Public Land?, harvard.edu, June 19, 2020, 44. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. When is it right to remove a statue? - BBC News There is a plaque next to the Peace Monument in Atlanta, Georgia, that states, This monument should no longer serve as a memorial for white Brotherhood. Remove Confederate statues from public places based on the pros and cons. The history of destroying monuments shows the dangers of tearing them down. Donald Trump, Twitter.com, June 30, 2020, 35. List two to three ways. Taneys bust was replaced with one of Thurgood Marshall. According to the poll, in August 2017, 39% supported the removal of Confederate statues compared to 52% who wanted to get rid of them in June. We do not erect monuments to people who performed extraordinary feats that were unquestionably evil, even if their characters included some virtuous traits. For proof, just look at the 1911 dedication of a Jefferson Davis statue in New Orleans. But the traditional standard does help minimize political manipulation of history. ONLY FOR REPUBLICANS. Photo courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto, (480) 965-9657 Today progressives vandalize statues of Columbus and Lee, allegedly because of actions motivated by racism. We must fight for the values we admire in our politics and culture. Protesters next to a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in Richmond, Va. A common type of monuments in this situation are the Confederacy monuments. They are a part of our cultural heritage. The statues are a painful reminder of past and present institutionalized racism in the United States. I dont think theres any value there. They glorify people who were responsible for terrible things. SINHA: I've been against it all along. Neil Vigdor and Daniel Victor, "Over 160 Confederate Symbols Were Removed in 2020, Group Says," nytimes.com, Feb. 23, 2021, 56. The Lee statue had been designated a historic monument, so people thought that would protect it from removal, but the governor of Virginia said, no, were taking it down. The concept of La Raza -as* -as* is based on the idea that all latinos are united in EEUU and that they are committed to aquella tradition. Phil Davis, George Washington Monument in Druid Hill Park Spray-Painted with Destroy Racists, Anti-Police Sentiment, baltimoresun.com, June 21, 2020, 11. Beyond building monuments to honor black Americans, monuments could employ and elevate living black artists, such as Kehinde Wiley, whose 2019 Rumors of War statue depicts a black man on horseback in a pose reminiscent of statues of Robert E. Lee. On the other hand, others argue that they are offensive and should be removed. Preserving historic statues and place-names can serve a number of positive aims. Pros And Cons Of Confederate Statues - 720 Words | Bartleby While the debate whetherConfederatestatues should be taken down has been gaining momentum for years, the issue gained widespread attention after the June 17, 2015, mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. There is an issue which has sparked some conflict which is based on the topic of whether or not Confederate Statues and Confederate symbols should be removed due to the background that they represent. The U.S. Recycling System | US EPA These statues are a reminder of our history, both good and bad. Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals. Those are the real threats to history. The campaigns demise was both sad and pathetic. Iconoclasm is not new; its been going on for thousands of years in different circumstances, Lamp said. The history of the United States is multi-layered, complicated, and ever-evolving. Robert E. Lee has become a target among those seeking to obviate history allegedly because he held slaves and fought for his home state rather than the nation. It is not possible to have them live in a single location at the same time. Heres how we fight back. The Globe | Pro / Con: Historical Monuments I think the difference that Floyd's murder has made is that most American citizens are finally realizing what they represent. They must be removed, according to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Slavery is represented in statues by people who distort history and commemorate individuals who perpetuated it. Heres a List., nytimes.com, Aug. 28, 2017, 6. The statue in this state refers to the state constitution or an act of the legislature or initiative or referendum. 13.8K Followers. The Mdia Exterior de Chvez highlights how the country responds to its problems: through its actions, the country seeks to advance human rights, including the rights of foreigners, as a result of the decreto de 1817. If so, how? Both Washington and Jefferson were critical to the formation of the country and to the shaping of it in its early years No one puts a monument up to Washington or Jefferson to promote slavery I think on these two, Washington and Jefferson, in particular, you take the bitter with sweet. GORDON-REED: Plaques can work in some situations. [47] Do we exclude the achievements of these figures from public display because they displayed controversial behavior? The state's governor introduced legislation in April 2020 to allow cities to remove statues, paving the way for a US$10 million (7.2 million) plan to transform Richmond Virginia's famous . His explorations united a world previously divided by hemispheres. Moving such monuments to museums or other places where they can be contextualized and interpreted is a goal of the National Trust. GAZETTE: What about the slippery slope argument? Since the statues and properties are not intrinsically bad, we do not remove and destroy them. [32] [33], Of the calls to take down Confederate monuments, President Donald Trump stated, This cruel campaign of censorship and exclusion violates everything we hold dear as Americans. Should Statues Of Historic Figures With Complicated Pasts Be - NPR Theres one school of thought that says communities should be the ones to decide. [37], Lawrence A. Kuznar, PhD, Professor of Anthropology at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Fort Wayne, states, removing Confederate statues amounts to whitewashing our history, turning our heads away from the inconvenient truths of our past. The SPLC reported at least 160 monuments were removed in 2020 after George Floyds death, more than the prior four years combined At last count, about 704 Confederate monuments remained on public land. He was also an abolitionist, though a hypocritical and pragmatic one who understood the country would not give up slavery so easily. He was not forgotten or disgraced, but he was not a forgotten figure because he was one of Venezuelas most revered rulers. Should Statues Be Removed Pros And Cons - Gary Cluster Republican Controversial statues: Should they stay or should they go? They are not an accurate representation of our countrys diverse population. The SPLC reported at least 160 monuments were removed in 2020 after George Floyds death, more than the prior four years combined At last count, about 704 Confederate monuments remained on public land. For example, The cost to remove all the monuments and statues in New Orleans could cost $600,000. [35]. The removal of Confederate monuments is usually around $1.8 million in total, but this varies by location. Perhaps that is precisely why the standard is flouted by those who want to politicize everything. Despite its relatively small price tag, it is still worth considering, especially when compared to the total cost of the Civil War and its aftermath. Keep reading for all the pros and cons of removing Confederate statues. GREENE: But what about historical figures with complicated, often racist histories who were also Union generals or former presidents? The Straka is spelled with a T. Monument in Madrid, Spain. What Should Take Their Place? It is not acceptable to state that statues represent history if they do not represent the roles and responsibilities they serve. Redefining the Role of Public Monuments | UC Davis Aishvarya Kavi, Activists Push for Removal of Statue of Freed Slave Kneeling Before Lincoln, nytimes.com, June 27, 2020, 20. In later years, Lee alsodistinguished himself as an educator: As president of the institution that is nowWashington and Lee University, he was largely responsible for fashioning the modern college honor code. How do we know if statues are supposed to tell the story of our ancestors? Why build a street for losers? Psychologically, its perpetuating a system. Who Was He?, cnn.com, June 11, 2020, 7. What do you think of that idea? Khushbu Shah, Atlanta's Confederate Monuments: How Do Context Markers Help Explain Racism?, theguardian.com, Aug. 3, 2019, 25. Confederate Monuments: Should They Stay or Should They Go? Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. They can be seen as a form of art. Last modified on July 14, 2022. I cannot see myself pulling down a statue in that way. The Confederate statues have no redeeming qualities to them, but other statues certainly do. In particular, a lot of our civic buildings our courthouses, our state capitals, even our public squares and parks are in the neoclassical style. Protesters for. What is that extreme? All rights reserved. If there are statues of black Americans in the future, such as Kehinde Wileys 2019 statue of a black man riding horseback in a pose similar to those of Confederate statues, they could be built.
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