Introduction
The debate over whether or not to preserve controversial monuments has raged in our society for many years. On one side of the debate, there are those who think that controversial monuments should be preserved as part of our collective heritage, while on the other side, there are those who believe that these monuments should be removed since they are offensive to many people. After much thought and consideration, I have concluded that we should preserve controversial monuments.
Reasons for Preservation of Debatable Monuments
First and foremost, it is important to recognize that these monuments are a part of our history. They represent the struggles that have occurred over time and are a reminder of our society’s difficult journey to get to where we are today (Thompson 26). We cannot erase the past, but we can learn from it. By preserving these monuments, we can ensure that future generations are aware of the mistakes made in our history and can learn from them. We must never overlook the significance of these monuments and remain devoted to honoring them.
Moreover, we should acknowledge the necessity of constructing monuments that recognize our country’s multifarious stories and customs, allowing us to honor and commemorate the many different achievements of our citizens. Additionally, these monuments should remind us that we must always keep striving to form a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.
Second, controversial monuments can serve as a reminder of a complicated past. While it is important to remember our past, it is equally important to learn from it. Controversial monuments can help us reflect on our history and ensure we do not repeat the same mistakes. For example, statues of Confederate generals can remind us of a period of institutionalized racism and oppression and can act as a reminder of the importance of justice and equality (Thompson 87). Similarly, monuments to those who committed crimes against humanity can serve as a reminder of the need for justice and accountability.
The third way controversial monuments can serve as a political and social change tool is by sparking meaningful conversations and challenging traditional narratives. For example, the installation of statues of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. can be used to motivate people to act in solidarity and work towards a better future (Fryer et al. 45). Statues of figures such as Christopher Columbus can serve to spark conversation about colonialism and its effects on the present day. Moreover, monuments can be a way to honor the achievements of those who have been silenced or marginalized due to their backgrounds and remind us of the importance of diversity in society. In this way, monuments can create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Notwithstanding, it is essential to comprehend that these monuments are not necessarily meant to be hurtful. Many of these monuments were constructed initially to respect those who have had a major influence on our community, whatever the disputable character of the issue (Thompson 41). It is essential to remember that retaining these monuments does not signify that we are supporting the convictions of those being lauded but rather acknowledging the effect they have had on our society.
Finally, it is also important to consider the impact that removing these monuments would have on our society. Removing monuments can be seen as a form of censorship, and this can have a stifling impact on our capacity to engage in discussions and debates about complex and contentious topics (Fryer et al. 32). By preserving these monuments, we can ensure that these conversations continue to occur openly and respectfully. Moreover, it can be contended that taking down monuments is a form of expungement or eliminating some aspects of history that we may not endorse. This can construct a deceptive and partial account of our past, further strengthening unfavorable stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes.
Finally, controversial monuments can foster dialogue and understanding. By recognizing the complexity of certain monuments, we can create a space for dialogue and understanding between different groups. This dialogue can help us better understand our history, our shared values, and our shared future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe that we should preserve controversial monuments. They are a part of our shared history and can remind us of past mistakes. Furthermore, many of these monuments were originally erected to honor those who have made important contributions to our society, and removing them could have a chilling effect on our ability to discuss and debate complex and controversial issues.
Works Cited
Fryer, Tiffany et al. “As the Statues Fall: An (Abridged) Conversation about Monuments and the Power of Memory.” Current Anthropology, vol. 62. no. 3, 2021. Web.
Thompson, Erin L. Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America’s Public Monuments. W. W. Norton, 2022.