- Question
How do we think about removing controversial statues in the US?
Throughout the US, activists are calling for the removal of controversial statues, which most often depict individuals with slavery or colonization ties. These statues have long been a subject of debate, but the American public’s renewed attention to systemic, racially-motivated violence has brought this conversation into the forefront of public discourse. According to those in favor of removal, these monuments glorify individuals who supported racist institutions. They stand as relics to white supremacy and racial terror. Others argue that these statues must remain because they are a part of our story. Although this is a heinous aspect of our past, removing these statues would be an attempt to whitewash America’s history. So, what are the opinions around this debate?
"We must remove these statues!"
These monuments support white supremacy and racial terror. They propagate a false version of our nation's history by romanticizing slavery, the Confederacy, and colonialism.
"Individual states should make the call. A universal consensus is not necessary."
Any decision to remove controversial statues should reflect the voters' opinions. For this reason, it is best to allow states to make this decision independently.
"We must not remove these statues!"
Although slavery was a horrific institution, it is a part of our history. We must preserve reminders of our past, trusting that "those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it." The historical figures facing this backlash were not completely evil and efforts to remove their statues are led by angry, violent, and irrational mobs.
This discussion is a distraction from more urgent issues.
This position holds that the debate over removing controversial US statues is a distraction. It argues that energy is better spent on more urgent matters of racial justice — police brutality and mass incarceration — than on what it sees as purely symbolic acts of reform.
We should remove some statues, but this movement has gone too far.
This position holds that some statues should be removed, but that the movement has gone too far. It argues the effort began as a worthy attempt to take down symbols of white supremacy, yet now targets statues that should stay—and risks threatening historical monuments indiscriminately.