Memorials and statues, in place and those suggested about lynching, native american massacres, crosses (sometimes burning) are symbols. One part of a conversation. An ambiguous statement of art, perceived differently by each human viewing it, filtered through education, experience, prejudice and emotion. The other side of that conversation is not one thing. It’s not possible to define with precision the exact motivation of each Civil War soldier or state. The president asked about other statues like Jefferson, Washington; “where will this stop?”
It won’t stop nor should it. Our founding fathers were rich white men, elitists one and all. Humans. Electoral college. Calling for unquestioned patriotism requires turning a blind eye and empty mind to historical realities. It will no longer be possible for the individual to be anything — all or none. Humans are messy. Blind allegiance to a cause assuming all or none, them against us, north and south, christian vs everyone else — pick a cause, pick a side and given time and experience the clear lines of division will invariably blur to shades of gray. Get input from more observers to the same event and you will find different observations and perceptions of the same sensory input.
I was raised in Minnesota to be a male chauvinist, bigot. I am aware that I will fight to change what I was built and programmed to be until I am no more; to be the best person I am able as I can understand it. There are many from every corner prepared to say, if not insisting, that I am flawed by this and not redeemable. I welcome a discussion with the perfect person, the one who can say what statue should be displayed and what it means. I welcome the man or woman who is absolute in complete understanding of right and wrong and its application in modern life. Absent those, I and we are left to find answers ourselves by questioning the “truth” we are supposed to believe. More statues would create more discussion and would seem a natural beginning. I say put the statues back and talk about what they really mean instead of accepting any narrative. More free speech means more free thought and understanding. We are more the same than different. Yankee or rebel.