Tag Archives: Bill de blasio

Suggestive Guidelines

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Monuments have been created and put up to show the importance of an event, a person, or group of people. They provide a foundation for the social upbringing of today’s society. They’re set in place for remembrance of what our society was like years prior. Sometimes they go unnoticed because there are many ways of defining a monument. The most popular forms are plaques or statues. Due to recent controversy about particular Confederate monuments and whether they should stay or be taken down in Charlottesville, North Carolina, Mayor De Blasio is being asked to conduct a thorough examination of the monuments in New York City. He has plans to come up with a criteria for evaluating monuments based on a set of questions that the Mayor’s office could use to represent the progress of American history. In my view, guidelines for the criteria could potentially include location, who/what the monument represents, what impact it has, and why it is significant to today’s society.

A monument has a big impact on the people around it and its location. An example of a monument with an appropriate location would be the Frederick Douglass monument that was recently placed in Harlem. The monument is  significant to Harlem’s African American society because Fredrick Douglass largely impacted the black community with his heroic actions as an abolitionist. The monument shows how important he is to African American history and reminds us of the great things he accomplished at great risks. However, if we were to place this monument in another area or community, there might be a debate on its social impact in the community. Based on this we must create a criteria to evaluate a monument that includes its location and whether or not it is relevant to that neighborhood or population. Furthermore a monument’s location can impact the community, either positively or negatively. According to Archivolti, monuments can help a community economically. Most bring about jobs and more money around that area is due to the fact that many tourist may be interested in viewing a specific plaque or statue.

Moreover, when creating a monument many tend to think about who it’s for and what it should represent. Thus the criteria for evaluating a monument’s status  should break down whether this person contributed to American society. An example of that would be the Christopher Columbus monument located in Columbus Park in Brooklyn. Christopher Columbus, according to American textbooks, he discovered America.That information, as we know, isn’t historically accurate because Native Americans already owned and lived on the land.  According to Zahniser, Columbus Day is now being renamed “Indigenous People’s Day”.Critics may say “Why Columbus? He didn’t do anything important.”. When deciding on whether a monument is good in its community, one must ask if it has positive or negative connotation behind it. The most important thing is to keep a monument if it doesn’t bring about hate.

Similarly, a monument’s impact should show the “ link between the past, present and future” (Amemco.us). It should show American growth from a particular event or set of people. Monuments have the ability of bringing a community together or tearing them apart. Most are used for the grieving of those who have passed away. Examples of that would be the 9/11 waterfall for all those that died during the four coordinated terrorist attacks, the Prison Ship Martyrs monument put in place for remembrance of the prison and soldiers who died during the Revolutionary War, and even the African Burial Ground National Monument that was put in place in [dedication] to Africans of early New York and Americans of African descent. (National Park Service). The impact of a monument is very important because without significance, there is no real reason to keep a monument standing. It can be relocated to where it is best suited.

This brings me to my last criteria used to evaluate a monument which is how it affects society today. For example, some critics have said that monuments bring about gentrification. Gentrification is “the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents” (Merriam-Webster). Gentrification occurs because many neighborhoods try to renovate for the attraction of that monument or relating to the removal of it. Gentrification also relates to the maintenance of monuments because with the desire to improve them may be to keep up with the neighborhood. These changes make our mayor question whether they help the economy or not. Along with that is the question of who pays for these improvements or removals. Rumor has it that they are paid for by taxpayers.

In conclusion, the protest of the removal of a statue of confederate icon General Robert E. Lee saw great tragedy, being described as one of the largest white supremacist events in recent  American history. Mayor De Blasio is being asked to conduct a thorough examination of the monuments in New York City. Criteria for these examinations could potentially include location, who/what the monument represents, what impact it has, and why it is significant to today’s society.  

 

Work Cited

  1. Archivolti, Raffaele. “Why Preserve and Restore? Importance of Saving Historical Monuments.” Linkedin, Raffaele Archivolti, 11 Nov. 2014, www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141111100252-151087658-why-preserve-and-restore-importance-of-saving-historical-monuments.
  2. Amemco. “Important Monument Information.” Important Monument Information, www.amemco.us/monument_info.htm.
  3. “Gentrification.” Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2017.
  4. NPS. “History & Culture.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 10 May 2016, www.nps.gov/afbg/learn/historyculture/index.htm.  
  5. Zahniser, David. “L.A. City Council Replaces Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day on City Calendar.” Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2017. Web. 10 Oct. 2017.

 

Bill de Blasio Here is your criteria

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Monuments have been put up for many years and its purpose is to explicitly commemorate a person or event. Many figures in history have had monuments dedicated to them however, many controversial figures such as Christopher Columbus and Robert E. Lee have sparked protests. Although these men were known for their leadership they were also known to represent oppression and hate to minorities. Many Americans believe figures who represent hate and murder should not be given a monument. Nevertheless, we cannot take down a monument simply because we hate it there needs to be a non biases criteria that has a more concrete justification to remove it. The objective of this criteria is maintain stability and safety in the community if a monument fails to do so it must be taken down and moved to a local museum.
A monument cannot be taken down because we don’t like it there has to solid justification for its removal. The criteria I have created is meant to be non biases, fair, and promote safety. My the first part of my criteria involves investigating “who” this individual is. A monument cannot just go up because he was a nice guy. This monument has to have relevance to the community and its local history. Research of the foundation of this persons empowerment or historical significance is important in order to promote safety. Regardless, if the person has negative or positive background this investigation would allow us to see how the community may react and their reaction will allow to know if this monument would negatively affect safety.
The second part of my criteria refers to the safety and stability of the community because there are many lives involved. In a neighborhood, there should be no need for those who pay rent and live there have an additional burden. Controversial monuments such as the confederate statue of Robert E. Lee has spiked a lot of violence and even death. The people of Charlottesville had to have their daily routines interrupted because of police patrol and media coverage. This affects the traveling to work, school and simple daily activities therefore, this monument should not be put up. An additional, part of this criteria involves the proper maintenance of these monuments. If the statue is making the neighborhood look bad it should be removed.
The last part of my criteria helps prevent biases opinions. Everyone is entitled to look up to any individual they wish to. We cannot change people’s beliefs and opinions which is why we have so much conflict. For example, there are white supremacists in America and they look up to those who the confederate states. On the other hand, there are people that are liberals and believe these monuments of confederate leaders glorify hate and racism. To create a peace of opinions, monuments that are controversial will have a plaque that states the good as well as the bad they did. This is what makes this criteria very efficient because this criteria takes in consideration everyone’s opinion. We acknowledge the good and bad these individuals did which helps take away some of that glory they would have if the bad wasn’t stated.
During our presentations, a lot of my classmates had interesting points in their criteria. Some interesting points included how much was the cost to maintain a monument because the weather affected it.I think this is a good point because it would be a burden to continuously have to repair a monument. After evaluating the statues and one fails to meet then requirements it should be taken to a local museum. The statue would be better there because a museum acknowledges history and its place we cant condemn displays. These displays represent our history and deserve to be held there so future generations can learn from them.
In conclusion, this criteria will allow a fair display of monuments in New York. This criteria will allow there to be equal representation of opinions. I believe this is important because it will allow many New Yorkers to be tolerant of the many options that exist. If another criteria was used there will be biases. Old and modern history have taught us that when this type of criteria is utilized violence arises. We don’t need more violence we need pease but we don’t want to ignore humanities problems such as racism. This criteria covers what’s the most important thing the safety in a community while we spread awareness and tolerance. I believe if Bill de Blasio uses my criteria the people of the state of New York and himself will benefit tremendously.

Work Cited

Neuman, William. “Ordering Review of Statues Puts De Blasio in Tricky Spo.”
New York Times. N.p., 30 Aug. 17. Web.

 

Silva, Daniella. “Christopher Columbus Statue in New York City Could Be Considered for Removal.”
NBC News. N.p., 23 Aug. 2017. Web.

 

“City of Chandler Accepting Nominations for Individuals or Groups to Be Honored at Celebration Plaza.”
Lexis Nexis. Plus Media Solutions US Official News, 11 May 2017. Web. <http://www-lexisnexis-com.citytech.ezproxy.cuny.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/?verb=sf&sfi=AC00NBGenSrch>.

 

Promote Safety and Tolerance but just for the moment

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Part One:

In the search of monuments, my group encountered many monuments we found very interesting to utilize for our project. Personally, I will write about the Korean War Veteran Plaza. The monument was accompanied by the following, ” In the memory of those Brooklyn who made the supreme sacrifice during the Korean War June 26, 1950 to July 27, 1953 . They will remain in our hearts and minds forever.” This monument is dedicated to fallen soldiers who resisted in Brooklyn before heading to the Korean War. Each solider has their first and last name as well as their position. This mural was located at the beginning of one the local parks around City Tech. The location of the mural allows those who walk by to acknowledge the names of the soldiers and the objective of the mural. I believe this monument serves a great purpose in the community because it reminds us that we should never take freedom for granted. Many have sacrificed everything including their lives for the sole purpose of allowing freedom for many generations. We may never be able to personally thank a solider for their courage and bravery but if we take a moment to acknowledge their names I believe we are showing them respect and gratitude. Although, I haven’t created a criteria for what monuments should remain I believe this monument is doing no harm to anyone therefore, it should remain where it is. This monument rather than creating harm it causes inspiration. The monument can inspire young men and women to serve their country.

Part Two:

Article1:

This article began explaining Mayor Bill de Blasio struggle for spotlight. Bill de Blasio has been criticized for not being or addressing serious incidents in New York. Due to recent incident Bill de Blasio is not in another tight situation this time about the removal of confederate statues. This is a tight situation for the mayor due to his support for Christopher Columbus. The article mentions his support goes as far to participating in the Columbus Day Parade. However, August 12 led to a turn events after white supremacists and other protesters protested the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee, the confederate general. This protest became deadly as one protestor was murdered causing riots across the country. Bill de Blasio condemned the violence and declaring a 90 day review of all symbols of hate on city property. The article continue to mention that Bill de Blasio will have a commission created to listen to ideas and concerns from flow New Yorkers. This commission will create a criteria although, the entire criteria is not finished some recommendations include it additional plaques to provide background info to inform the public about the individual. David Eisenbach made a very interesting point to his support of the statue of Christopher Columbus. Contrary to the belief of many who refer Columbus as a mass murderer, Eisenbach views Columbus as a legendary explorer. He is aware of the horrific things Columbus did which he believes makes his statue better. His bad and good accomplishments according to Eisenbach is a “beautiful thing”.

Article 2:

The US Official news published an article covering the City of Chandlers nominations for individuals or groups to be honored at the celebration Plaza. The celebration Plaza is known to be a location to honor service organization. Although, many can be nominated there is a review process each nominee will go through. The article includes very specific requirements as part of their criteria. These individuals must have some relevance to the area where they will be displayed. The elected nominees must be endorsed by the community. The individual or group have caused a ,meaningful impact either short or long term to the community. The criteria is specific to what they mean by meaningful impact. For example, the individual or group has improved the quality of life and work to the community.

Part Three:

Monuments have been put up for many years and its purpose is to explicitly commemorate a person or event. Many figures in history have had monuments dedicated to them however, many controversial figures such as Christopher Columbus and Robert E. Lee have sparked protests. Although these men were known for their leadership they were also known to represent oppression and hate to minorities. Many Americans believe figures who represent hate and murder should not be given a monument. Nevertheless, we cannot take down a monument simply because we hate it there needs to be a non biases criteria that has a more concrete justification to remove it. The objective of this criteria is maintain stability and safety in the community if a monument fails to do so it must be taken down and moved to a local museum.
A monument cannot be taken down because we don’t like it there has to solid justification for its removal. The criteria I have created is meant to be non biases, fair, and promote safety. My the first part of my criteria involves investigating “who” this individual is. A monument cannot just go up because he was a nice guy. This monument has to have relevance to the community and its local history. Research of the foundation of this persons empowerment or historical significance is important in order to promote safety. Regardless, if the person has negative or positive background this investigation would allow us to see how the community may react and their reaction will allow to know if this monument would negatively affect safety.
The second part of my criteria refers to the safety and stability of the community because there are many lives involved. In a neighborhood, there should be no need for those who pay rent and live there have an additional burden. Controversial monuments such as the confederate statue of Robert E. Lee has spiked a lot of violence and even death. The people of Charlottesville had to have their daily routines interrupted because of police patrol and media coverage. This affects the traveling to work, school and simple daily activities therefore, this monument should not be put up. An additional, part of this criteria involves the proper maintenance of these monuments. If the statue is making the neighborhood look bad it should be removed.
The last part of my criteria helps prevent biases opinions. Everyone is entitled to look up to any individual they wish to. We cannot change people’s beliefs and opinions which is why we have so much conflict. For example, there are white supremacists in America and they look up to those who the confederate states. On the other hand, there are people that are liberals and believe these monuments of confederate leaders glorify hate and racism. To create a peace of opinions, monuments that are controversial will have a plaque that states the good as well as the bad they did. This is what makes this criteria very efficient because this criteria takes in consideration everyone’s opinion. We acknowledge the good and bad these individuals did which helps take away some of that glory they would have if the bad wasn’t stated.
During our presentations, a lot of my classmates had interesting points in their criteria. Some interesting points included how much was the cost to maintain a monument because the weather affected it.I think this is a good point because it would be a burden to continuously have to repair a monument. After evaluating the statues and one fails to meet then requirements it should be taken to a local museum. The statue would be better there because a museum acknowledges history and its place we cant condemn displays. These displays represent our history and deserve to be held there so future generations can learn from them.
In conclusion, this criteria will allow a fair display of monuments in New York. This criteria will allow there to be equal representation of opinions. I believe this is important because it will allow many New Yorkers to be tolerant of the many options that exist. If another criteria was used there will be biases. Old and modern history have taught us that when this type of criteria is utilized violence arises. We don’t need more violence we need peace but we don’t want to ignore humanities problems such as racism. This criteria covers what’s the most important thing the safety in a community while we spread awareness and tolerance. I believe if Bill de Blasio uses my criteria the people of the state of New York and himself will benefit tremendously.

Part Four:

Work Cited

Neuman, William. “Ordering Review of Statues Puts De Blasio in Tricky Spo.”
New York Times. N.p., 30 Aug. 17. Web.

 

Silva, Daniella. “Christopher Columbus Statue in New York City Could Be Considered for Removal.”
NBC News. N.p., 23 Aug. 2017. Web.

 

“City of Chandler Accepting Nominations for Individuals or Groups to Be Honored at Celebration Plaza.”
Lexis Nexis. Plus Media Solutions US Official News, 11 May 2017. Web. <http://www-lexisnexis-com.citytech.ezproxy.cuny.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/?verb=sf&sfi=AC00NBGenSrch>.