Monuments have been erected for over a century in honor of someone, a group or an event. Many respectful and influential individuals have had monuments built to honor them for their beliefs, progress they’ve made fighting to solve a controversial issue but they are also others whose monuments are controversial in today’s day and age. Some monuments that have sparked debatable topics as of late are the confederate monuments of confederate generals like Robert E Lee and abolitionist and orator Henry Ward Beecher. Confederate monuments are being removed around the country under pressure from those who say they honor a regime that enslaved African-Americans. The pace has increased, however, in the wake of the deadly confrontation at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. These figures were known for their valiant efforts but they also committed disgraceful acts and represent hate and oppression. This is the reason why there is such a huge controversy on whether these monuments should remain or be taken down and destroyed. But to remove or keep a monument some criteria must be taken into account. These criteria will determine whether to remove a monument or take elsewhere. It should be taken into consideration the back-story of the person or event the monument is erected to celebrate or commemorate the surrounding influence, and the economic standpoint of the monument.
A monument shouldn’t be taken down because its illustration have been taken out of context or have been misinterpreted. An example is the Henry Ward Beecher monument in Brooklyn. Henry was an individual who was known for supporting the abolition of slavery. However his monument portrays an African-American woman kneeling at his feet to lay Palm fronds before him. This proved troublesome seeing as some who might not know of Henry and still some who do regards this as a message of white supremacy. Knowing this it would be beneficial to add a plaque next to the monument giving some info on the individual and what the monument portrays. This would provide some insight on the statue to those that doesn’t know about the monument, which would give no confusion and cause to removing the monument. Living in New York, I know how hard it is to move around, especially with tourists. Tourists go around New York City looking for these monuments, trying to understand our history. Other that dislikes these monuments stand in the way of the tourists trying to take photos, to get that perfect shot so they can remember the day they visited that monument.
If a Monument have an equal standing on whether it should be removed and destroyed or remain then it should be taken into account of any alternatives. One of such is the monument being taken elsewhere to a less populated environment or private property. The monument could be taken to a museum where those that appreciate, support and uphold the monument can visit it without any disturbances and the others that are offended by the monument are also satisfied with it being away from the public eye. Some monuments have been supporting there communities with the wide range of tourists they attract. This is an important fact in determining whether a mother should remain but with slight modification or be removed altogether. If the economic value of the monument is too great then the monument should remain with some adjustments made to smooth the disagreeing party that doesn’t support the monument. Everyone is different and entitled to their own opinion and views. This is why there is always a disagreement; we can’t change others beliefs, opinions and religion developing so much conflict.
In conclusion, these criteria will ensure a fair exhibit of monuments in New York. This criterion will see to it that there will be an equivalent representation of opinions and beliefs. I trust these criterion because it will allow many New Yorker’s and others around the country to be tolerant of the many options that exist. If any other criteria could be used to ensure a non bias judgment it I believe these criterion cover it. History has taught us that when bias types of criteria are utilized, violence is always used by the objecting party. We don’t need any more violence especially after the many violent actions that have risen since this argument began. We need peace; however we don’t want to ignore an old reoccurring problem such as ignorance. This criterion covers the most important thing, the safety in a community while determining the outcome of a monument. I trust if Bill de Blasio uses my criterion the populous of the state of New York and will benefit tremendously.
Citation:
Dubenko, Anna. “Right and Left on Removal of Confederate Statues.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 18 Aug. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/08/18/us/politics/right-and-left-on-removal-of-confederate-statues.html.
“PRO AND CON: Should Confederate monuments be removed?” Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond Times-Dispatch, 16 May 2017, www.richmond.com/opinion/their-opinion/pro-and-con-should-confederate-monuments-be-removed/article_494c851c-34b2-11e5-8ec1-9b24a8cc97e6.html.
Watkins, Shannon. “Should the Confederate Monuments Stay or Go? — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal.” The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, 27 Aug. 2017, www.jamesgmartin.center/2017/08/confederate-monuments-stay-go/.
