What do you think about statues of Columbus, Jefferson, Washington? I don't think they're in the same category as the Confederate statues. Our national history is imperfect: an amalgam of discovery, enlightenment, brutal conquest, racist oppression, liberation and opportunity. These leaders were flawed, but foundational.
I've often succumbed to wondering how Reconstruction would have been different had Lincoln served out his second term, and lived on beyond that. The only thing I'm feeling relatively sure of is that he'd not have tolerated Confederate States of America flags flying on state capitols' grounds. But: most of those weren't re-raised until Lincoln would have been well past eighty, long out of office, and presumably deceased.
Lincoln figured stuff out as he went along. He was not afraid to change his mind. So I think he would have done things better -- if the wolves had allowed it.
Thanks Irv -- Yes - the original intent of the statues was not to commemorate- you are correct when you say they were to intimidate. The existential fear that white people felt in the wake of reconstruction was that Blacks, having been freed from bondage , might forget their place and start guiding public policy on an egalitarian path that would give full franchise to people of color. That was not to be tolerated, and would be reinforced not just legally thru Jim Crow, and illegally through lynchings, but also culturally through monuments that would remind all people , black and white , every damn day , of who is in charge , who holds the power.
I was under the impression that a lot of these confederate statues weren't built after the Civil War but a hundred years later during the civil rights movement of the '60s.
So they're definitely to show "colored people" who was still boss in the south.
Seems to matter why a statue was put up when you’re deciding whether to take it down. The Confederate statues mostly went up as part of a post-reconstruction effort to return the former slaves to their former status. Take the damn things down.
Perhaps a statue could be used as a teachable moment... consider this... a bronze plaque upon said statue.... This white supremacist scoundrel was responsible for the brutal slaughter of countless innocents. An honest... transparent account of history would be refreshing...
Burt's comments: The historical significance and in many cases in significance of the statues being taken down or destroyed, will accomplish very little.I believe that we cannot rewrite history to suit ourselves. We must change ourselves in today's world and the changes we make must have a relationship with the real world. Thank you Irv,for an excellent & stimulating report!
Thanks for a thoughtful and even-handed piece - I wonder if the Black Hawks, and I'd included our U of I team the Illini, are acceptable because they reference an actual historic figure and indigenous tribe, rather than employ a racial/ethnic slur.
What do you think about statues of Columbus, Jefferson, Washington? I don't think they're in the same category as the Confederate statues. Our national history is imperfect: an amalgam of discovery, enlightenment, brutal conquest, racist oppression, liberation and opportunity. These leaders were flawed, but foundational.
I've often succumbed to wondering how Reconstruction would have been different had Lincoln served out his second term, and lived on beyond that. The only thing I'm feeling relatively sure of is that he'd not have tolerated Confederate States of America flags flying on state capitols' grounds. But: most of those weren't re-raised until Lincoln would have been well past eighty, long out of office, and presumably deceased.
Lincoln figured stuff out as he went along. He was not afraid to change his mind. So I think he would have done things better -- if the wolves had allowed it.
Thanks Irv -- Yes - the original intent of the statues was not to commemorate- you are correct when you say they were to intimidate. The existential fear that white people felt in the wake of reconstruction was that Blacks, having been freed from bondage , might forget their place and start guiding public policy on an egalitarian path that would give full franchise to people of color. That was not to be tolerated, and would be reinforced not just legally thru Jim Crow, and illegally through lynchings, but also culturally through monuments that would remind all people , black and white , every damn day , of who is in charge , who holds the power.
I was under the impression that a lot of these confederate statues weren't built after the Civil War but a hundred years later during the civil rights movement of the '60s.
So they're definitely to show "colored people" who was still boss in the south.
Seems to matter why a statue was put up when you’re deciding whether to take it down. The Confederate statues mostly went up as part of a post-reconstruction effort to return the former slaves to their former status. Take the damn things down.
Another insightful piece, Irv. Always enjoy your views and sharing.
Perhaps a statue could be used as a teachable moment... consider this... a bronze plaque upon said statue.... This white supremacist scoundrel was responsible for the brutal slaughter of countless innocents. An honest... transparent account of history would be refreshing...
Burt's comments: The historical significance and in many cases in significance of the statues being taken down or destroyed, will accomplish very little.I believe that we cannot rewrite history to suit ourselves. We must change ourselves in today's world and the changes we make must have a relationship with the real world. Thank you Irv,for an excellent & stimulating report!
Thanks for a thoughtful and even-handed piece - I wonder if the Black Hawks, and I'd included our U of I team the Illini, are acceptable because they reference an actual historic figure and indigenous tribe, rather than employ a racial/ethnic slur.
The problem with statues is most people take them for granite! Nice column.
Another excellent and thoughtful piece, Irv