In the article “City Limits” by Colson Whitehead It was mostly about his experiences in New York city and how it operates. He gives attention as to why New York is known as the city that never sleeps. He gives his first impressions on his encounters in New York city which I believe is the point of the Article. In the article he states that New York never remains the same it is constantly changing. He then continues on about the history behind NY it’s surroundings, buildings and people. This is the place of opportunities where you can make your dream a possibility.

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 and then they are 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 criterions 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 criterions 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.

When determining if a Monument deserves to remain or be disposed of you must take into consideration of these points.

1) Does the monument have a positive influence?

2) Does the monument offend people of another race,culture or religion?

3) Is the monument still relevant at this moment?

4)The effect the monument will have upon being taken down?

5)The whereabouts of the monument, where it can be taken?

6)The history (Backstory) of the monument?

Group: Shemar, Malik and Sarique.