Taking down Confederate statues makes it more likely that people will confront the past by acknowledging that individuals personified by most of those monuments were involved in one of the darkest eras of American history. Foster (2019) indicates that America must review the role of slavery in American society and revaluate how it is memorized. Monuments serve as reminders of men such as Toutant-Beauregard, who stood for the systemic oppression of black people through his role in the Ku Klux Klan. Keeping confederate monuments makes it seem as if everyone in society celebrates these individuals (Foster, 2019). These statues should be placed in Museums to promote more discussions of the past.
Prevailing perceptions argue that racism is outdated. However, dominant American culture still upholds the shameful and unsavory aspects of racial profiling (Bridges, 2017). Bridges (2017) indicates that stereotypes in televisions shows and other mainstream media still portray African-American people as emotionally volatile. The statues placed in honor of people who oppressed black people in history, serve the same purpose of maintaining racist perceptions. Dealing with such characters means moving beyond that past and working towards an inclusive present and future (Bridges, 2017). Taking down the statues is the first step towards abolishing negative aspects of history. American culture must recognize that racism is still an issue to date.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Monuments must represent shared heritage rather than the ideals of one community. Perry (2017) contends that the built environment must be a source of commitment to democracy. Therefore, governments, colleges, and non-profits must consider how a certain monument is related with history. If at a point in the past it contradicted with modern ideals it should be removed (Perry, 2017). Changing the names of buildings requires that institutions consider every population that uses the facility. It should draw respect from every person. By doing so, America can begin its process of rethinking history and reshaping the current society.
In view of this interview, it becomes clear that, monuments are significant and part of the society. Their importance is evident in the way they represent American institutions, ideas, and people. The learning outcome evident from the interview is that, learners are able to identify statues and national monuments. They can observe and describe objects critically, and explain their importance in memorizing institutions, ideas, and individuals.
Interview Questions:
What role do confederate statues play in society?
Does taking down all confederate monuments address issues of racial inequity?
Most confederate statues erected in the Jim Crow era were used to intimidate African Americans. How have these perceptions changed to date? Has the significance of confederate monuments changed?
Are confederate statues an attempt by white southerners to legitimize specific views of white supremacy?
What is the legal rationale used when removing confederate statues?
Which criteria should be followed in renaming buildings and monuments?
References
Bridges, K. (2017). Shame On You: An Exploratory Study of Shame in the an African American Community. Iowa Research Online , 1-18.
Foster, G. (2019). Confederate Statues and Memorialization. Civil War Book Review , 21(4), 1-3. https://doi.org/10.31390/cwbr.21.4.07
Perry, A. (2017, November 9). Removing racist monuments is about making history, not erasing it. Brookings Institution . https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2017/11/09/removing-racist-monuments-is-about-making-history-not-erasing-it/
