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The debate centers on whether to remove statues of controversial historical figures, with one side arguing that they represent oppressive ideologies and should be taken down to acknowledge historical trauma, while the other side believes that removing them risks erasing history and creating division. Public opinion polls indicate a majority, especially among Black Americans, support removal, viewing these statues as symbols of racism. The discussion highlights the need for constructive dialogue and education about racism rather than simply removing statues.

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3 views1 page

Statues_blob_debate

The debate centers on whether to remove statues of controversial historical figures, with one side arguing that they represent oppressive ideologies and should be taken down to acknowledge historical trauma, while the other side believes that removing them risks erasing history and creating division. Public opinion polls indicate a majority, especially among Black Americans, support removal, viewing these statues as symbols of racism. The discussion highlights the need for constructive dialogue and education about racism rather than simply removing statues.

Uploaded by

vihaan.1727
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Should the statues of controversial historical figures be removed?

A blogged
debate.
Statues of controversial historical figures, such as Confederate (Southern USA Civil
War) generals, slave owners, and white supremacists should definitely be pulled down.
They are not merely stone and bronze. They represent an ideology that has oppressed
and marginalized Black Americans for centuries. Therefore, the demand to remove
these statues is not just about erasing history, but about acknowledging the historical
and ongoing trauma that Black people have experienced.

Blogger
A.
While this may be true, the demand to remove statues of controversial historical
figures is a slippery slope that could lead to us erasing our history altogether. While it
is true that some of these figures were associated with oppression and racism, they
were also part of the historical fabric of our society. We should not judge them solely
by the values of our time, but by the context in which they lived. Be removing these
statues we lose the opportunity to be reminded of the negative aspects of our past to
build a more equal future. Removing the statues would erase this important part of
our history and culture.
Blogger
B.
Ok, well let's look at some public opinion polls. According to a recent poll by IPSOS, 44%
of Americans believe that statues of Confederate leaders should be removed from
public spaces, while only 36% believe they should remain. Among Black Americans,
79% believe that these statues should be taken down, while only 28% of white
Americans agree. Therefore, it is clear that most people think these statues are a
reinforcement of a racist present. It sends a message to Black people that they are not
valued as equal citizens. This is a form of psychological violence that perpetuates a
Blogger racist society.
A.
Yes, but removing statues does not change the past. Instead, it creates tension and
division in the present. These statues are often deeply meaningful to certain communities,
so removing them can be seen as an attack on their history and heritage. This can create
resentment and further divide our society. Also, the argument that statues are
psychologically harmful to Black people is subjective and unproven. While it may be true
that these statues may cause discomfort for some, it is also true that they are a reminder
of the progress that has been made in the fight against racism. Finally, these statues are
not just to remember the individual person but commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of
ordinary people. Blogger
B.
The argument that statues are part of our heritage and cannot be removed is false.
Should we also keep up statues of Nazi leaders in Germany? No, because they
represent a dark and oppressive history, as do the statues of Confederate generals
and slaveowners in the USA. These statues were not erected to honour the bravery of
soldiers, but to celebrate those who fought to keep Black people in chains. There are
plenty of other people that deserve to have a statue of them or public artworks that
could replace these outdated figures.
Blogger
A.
But isn’t it more productive to engage in constructive dialogue and education to
address the issues of racism and inequality in our society rather than hide the
problem by pulling down a few statues? Many experts would agree with me. For
example, historian and author David Blight has argued that removing statues is "one-
dimensional activism" that does not address the underlying issues of racism and
inequality. He has suggested we should add context to the statues to help people
understand the dark history and legacy of these controversial figures. Similarly, artist
and activist Dread Scott has stated that "if we simply tear down a monument and go
home, we have won nothing." Instead, he suggests that we need to engage in deeper
conversations about the history and legacy of racism in America. If nothing else, the
statues of controversial figures give us an opportunity to keep our history, good and
bad, in the open rather than ignoring it. Blogger
B.

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