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I would argue that symbols are important too, for purely pragmatic reasons. Memorials are one way we transmit community norms and values. So removing a shamef
by vladTheInhaler 6y ago
I would argue that symbols are important too, for purely pragmatic reasons. Memorials are one way we transmit community norms and values. So removing a shameful symbol can be part of the process of building consensus around the historical events and policies that it symbolizes. It serves as a visible focal point for issues that would otherwise be invisible to many people. But I definitely agree that in terms of making real, concrete impact in peoples lives, taking down a statue is pretty much irrelevant.
- protomyth 6y agoRemoving the symbols before doing the real work simply removes the problem from sight and gives people a false sense of accomplishment. The statue isn't the problem, the crappy conditions that are nowhere near the statue are. These activities visibly focus people on the wrong thing.
- charlescearl 6y agoIt serves to unite people around a clear and visceral goal. The anger that brought many of us together to remove the enslaver statues left behind networks that brought the son of sharecroppers to the senate in my state. And the networks are still around building more concrete day to day stuff -- money for families facing eviction, stripping of the budgets of some of the more egregious local police, bail bonds. You have to start somewhere. We have a long journey ahead.