Race relations in the United States stems from a complicated history to say the least. In many ways, the U.S. has been very progressive when compared to our counterparts, but there is still much to be done so that we can achieve the fundamental principles of the founder’s belief in equality for all.
For me, the recent destruction of oppressive figures and confederate statues draws a parallel to the Nazi’s book burning campaign. The destruction of these symbols represents an element of censorship and a severe loss in our cultural history. We cannot erase our country’s history, much like we cannot erase our own individual past.
The true inherent issue is not the symbol of what these statues represent. If it were, then why not destroy the Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, The Federalists Papers, or the Constitution? All these documents were signed, or partially transcribed by oppressive figures. The true problem is that elected officials in our government are not adhering to the ideals of our founders in their roles as community advocates.
Communities share, communities protect and communities come together in times of crisis. That is and should always be the priority of the Government. The singular point that connects all of our 50 communities (states).
Our history, displayed in any form, is our history. None of us have a perfect past, but we learn from it because we cannot erase it; no matter how hard we try. Destroying history is no different than not teaching history. It could be a slippery slope. If we don’t have reminders of our past from time to time, we are liable to forget or be doomed to repeat past mistakes.
Achieving true equality is important, I agree; but how we achieve it is just as important. We are currently as a nation standing on the precipice of changing the history and narrative our kids and their kids will be looking back at.
We need to view these statues, not as oppressive figures, but as reminders of a tainted past we once had and a better future we are looking to build for that past.