The symbolism of oppression has become a major narrative in the unfolding story of the Black Lives Matter campaign – and the debates around it.
Statues in particular, but also place names, have come under scrutiny following the felling of the monument to slaver Edward Colston in Bristol.
There have been calls to remove others, including in Glasgow, and there is an ongoing row over a statue of Scouts founder Baden-Powell because of his homophobia and support for fascism.
It goes the other way as well. A statue of Jamaican poet, playwright and actor Alfred Fagon has been doused with a bleach-like substance, also in Bristol.
And it’s not a new phenomena – almost forgotten is the hammer attack last year on the Karl Marx memorial in Highgate Cemetery.
But it’s the issue of our many memorials to people – many now sunk in obscurity – who were glorified in our colonial and imperial past that have become a major talking point.
Does their presence on our city centres and elsewhere celebrate a barbaric history and stand as an insult down the generations – or are they historical artefacts, to be learnt from?
This is why we are asking: should we now bring down statues which are linked to racism?
Vote here and join in the debate by leaving a comment below.
Should we now bring down statues which are linked to racism?
- Yes
- 49
- No
- 81
