Confederate
Confusion
For those who use Facebook, you know
that it is always asking the question, “What’s on your
mind?” Well, back in August 2017, I was confused
about the chaos happening in our country, and I had a hard time
wrapping my mind around the attitudes and actions of many of our
citizens. I struggled to understand why a minority of this
country felt it necessary to destroy or remove confederate monuments
that represent the history of this great nation. I do get that
not every historical figure represents everyone’s beliefs or
convictions. I also get that not all historical figures who
are represented in a monument are considered worthy. Some represent
negative aspects of our history, so the thinking is they must be
removed.
We have to remember that monuments
and statues of historical figures signify that those men and women
affected history in some way, whether positively or
negatively. Just because what they accomplished may go against
our beliefs, is that cause enough to demand their removal or
destruction just because we don’t agree with them? Sometimes
memorials are erected so that we never forget the gains, losses or
costs connected to it. That could certainly apply to the
Confederate war, as well as all the other wars in which this country
has been involved. Based on the mindset of those protestors,
and the political leaders who are supporting them, will the Vietnam
Memorial be in their sights?
One such monument representing a
historical atrocity is found in front of the Holocaust Museums that
reads, “Never Again.” In this case, the event it represents is
so evil, the monuments have been constructed to serve as a reminder
that something like that should never be allowed to happen
again.
To begin removing confederate
monuments just because some citizens find them offensive is to
disregard the significance of the event or purpose it
represents. A more reasonable and mature solution would be to
ask town officials permission to construct a sign next to the statues
that reads that some citizens find the monument and what it represents
offensive. In that way, those who want the statues to remain
are happy, but those who find it offensive get their voice
heard. If every confederate flag and statue disappear, aren’t
we like ostriches sticking their heads into the sand and pretending
these historical events never happened?
My biggest concern is what’s
next? What if this is just the beginning of citizens and
government removing or destroying everything someone finds offensive.
The most controversial person who
ever lived is Jesus Christ, and the symbol of the cross has come to
embody everything Christians hold sacred. (I must say here
that I detest the usage of the cross the KKK carries, and I do not
include them in my previous statement.) Thousands and
thousands of churches throughout this country have erected crosses
inside and outside their buildings. We adhere the symbol of the cross
to our cars, and wear them around our neck. Both past and
present history has shown that many non-believers find both Jesus and
the cross offensive. So, I’m wondering, is the cross the next
target to be removed? Are Christians? Evidence of
that has already become a reality, so I’m concerned that if the current
negativity and histrionics snowball and the government keeps supporting
the minority with the loudest voices, our elimination is not too far
off.
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