The Starting Question...The Pain of Preserving American History
Houston - The debate and argument over certain historical monuments maybe old news, but the fire continues to burn in the south, and the heat continues to be felt throughout the continental USA. It's a fire that does not appear as if it will be extinguished anytime soon.
However, I think the one and only question that should start every discussion concerning American monuments, no matter what or where they may be, is "What was or is the initial purpose for the erecting of this monument?" That question alone, if one is being honest and has done proper research, would require much thought and consideration to whether the monument is deserving of remaining as is. On the other had, that question is also a very hard one to answer, in honesty, for many people.
Secondly, one may ask does the reason for the erection and/or preservation of such memorials serve to educate, include, and honor all Americans who will encounter it? How many of our American monuments serve to honor and uplift only a few at the expense of degrading reminders for others? These questions should cause us to pause and carefully consider others in spite of our need to stroke our self-preserving pride.
On the other had, some may say to destroy our monuments that have historically represented a painful and repressive past would eventually allow for a "white washed" and guiltless retelling of America's complete history. So then the question becomes what is the purpose of preserving these monuments, and are we willing to allow the untainted and unglorified stories to be told concerning these historical figures?
Memorials have, and probably will always be an issue for most citizens. However, we have spent most of our time arguing and fighting the issues, be not enough people have listened to each other in discussing the matter. For many, the days of talking have long past while others support having a conversation as long as their voice is the loudest in the room. While the issue may not concern some within minority communities, that should not cancel out those who do feel some painful emotional connection to the history of American monuments.
Is there a way for America's monuments to bring us to a place of repentance, acceptance, and education of who we truly are as a nation of diversity with a great and terrible history? One would hope that as we progress as a nation (progressivism, an idea that has historically been used by both major political institutions) the answer will someday be yes.
As long as we are either in denial of the truthful reality of our history, or unaware of the destructive division that our history continues to build we will continue to be a nation involved in a costly civil war...The tragedy is that most of us are not even aware of the civil war that is taking place in twenty-first century America.
However, I think the one and only question that should start every discussion concerning American monuments, no matter what or where they may be, is "What was or is the initial purpose for the erecting of this monument?" That question alone, if one is being honest and has done proper research, would require much thought and consideration to whether the monument is deserving of remaining as is. On the other had, that question is also a very hard one to answer, in honesty, for many people.
Secondly, one may ask does the reason for the erection and/or preservation of such memorials serve to educate, include, and honor all Americans who will encounter it? How many of our American monuments serve to honor and uplift only a few at the expense of degrading reminders for others? These questions should cause us to pause and carefully consider others in spite of our need to stroke our self-preserving pride.
On the other had, some may say to destroy our monuments that have historically represented a painful and repressive past would eventually allow for a "white washed" and guiltless retelling of America's complete history. So then the question becomes what is the purpose of preserving these monuments, and are we willing to allow the untainted and unglorified stories to be told concerning these historical figures?
Memorials have, and probably will always be an issue for most citizens. However, we have spent most of our time arguing and fighting the issues, be not enough people have listened to each other in discussing the matter. For many, the days of talking have long past while others support having a conversation as long as their voice is the loudest in the room. While the issue may not concern some within minority communities, that should not cancel out those who do feel some painful emotional connection to the history of American monuments.
Is there a way for America's monuments to bring us to a place of repentance, acceptance, and education of who we truly are as a nation of diversity with a great and terrible history? One would hope that as we progress as a nation (progressivism, an idea that has historically been used by both major political institutions) the answer will someday be yes.
As long as we are either in denial of the truthful reality of our history, or unaware of the destructive division that our history continues to build we will continue to be a nation involved in a costly civil war...The tragedy is that most of us are not even aware of the civil war that is taking place in twenty-first century America.
Comments