Monuments After the fall

[WilliamH]

So I love history, the ACW and always enjoy seeing these ACW monuments both North and South. I believe it is important history that needs to be remembered.

However, most of my friends don't really care that much about the ACW and pay little attention to such monuments. In addition, those friends of mine who do seem to care about such monuments have only begun to do so recently due to the modern controversy over social justice vs heritage.

Personally I support keeping monuments as they are. However, in this case we are talking about rebuilding a destroyed monument. Given the modern controversy and that fact that the ACW is now over 150 years removed perhaps a more inclusive monument is appropriate.

If I lived there I would suggest a monument dedicated to all of the service members of that town. That would include people's ancestor who fought long ago in the ACW, grandparents who fought in WW 2, parents who fought in Korea/Vietnam and those service members of my current generation who have given their lives to fight terror. Hopefully this would avoid most of the social justice vs heritage drama and relate better to people as so many of us know people who have fought/died for this country. As much as I enjoy the seeing ACW monuments, when it comes to building a new monument, I would like to see it also remember the history/sacrifice made by my and my parents generation.

 

[19thGeorgia]

You may consider places like Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to have more racists than some states of the deep south, but you would be wrong. VERY wrong.

Why is the black population of these states only 1 or 2%?

 

[huskerblitz]

Why is the black population of these states only 1 or 2%?

Regardless of race, would you want to live there?
(I'm joking of course)

 

[Dedej]

Why is the black population of these states only 1 or 2%?

I can help to answer that The Great Migration.

Black people pretty much stay in places closer to towns/major cities that our families migrated to and from -- during the Great Migration. NH, Vermont, Maine are not really areas we would go too - still today.

Like most people, we like to be in areas close to family or a concentration of people who look like us. It's like a protection and comfortability factor.

There is racism everywhere - but the Black population and therefore lack of in certain states isn't always the reason. It's a legacy of the Great Migration. My parents left Alabama during the Great Migration - to Michigan and New Jersey. Eventually meeting in Michigan.

I was raised in a upper middle class neighborhood in Michigan of successful Black families who all left the South during the Great Migration (Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia) and a few immigrant families (Chaldean).

I now live in the South--but the city --- and for undergrad and grad/certificate programs I lived in NYC and visited many other places -- and I have never met a Black person from those states or areas of the U.S. I also don't think my friends know any there as well - unless it was for a Sports program at a University. But, all that to say the Great Migration is still very much our locational/geographical story here in the U.S. today.

For more information:
The Warmth of Other Suns
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/long-lasting-legacy-great-migration-180960118/

 

[bdtex]

This thread is drifting off-topic. Please read the OP again. That is the topic. This thread is under Staff Watch. No more warnings will be posted before action is taken if it becomes necessary. C'mon y'all.

 

[cash]

Why after all these years are these monuments an issue? Does tearing them down make people feel better? Where does it stop? Whats next do we start dismantling the monuments to the Confederacy at Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Antietam ect? Where does it stop? Talking about hate "they are a sign of hate" whats tearing them down then? A sign of hate so isn't taking monuments down showing hate toward another person or people, how is that right? A family has ancestors who served and now people after 150 years want to take that away from them. Its not right. No one is claiming that slavery or the miss treatment of African Americans was right or moral. what does that have to do with what men did on the battlefield? The soldiers felt they were fighting for the "right" reason or cause and the veterans of those units want to honor their service along with the men who died. I hate when we play this well" it offends me argument" we can't make everyone happy and by destroying our history were making people unhappy. If I say I am offended the reply to me is your racist. No I'm not I am an American who is proud of his country even if I don't agree with everything its done.

They've always been an issue. The thing is, it's only recently that white folks are listening to the people for whom it's always been an issue.

 

[cash]

Why is the black population of these states only 1 or 2%?

Not much slavery.

 

[RobertP]

I don't understand - as none of those states have Confederate Monuments (I don't think....) and I don't understand how Black Americans moving or living to those areas have anything to do with the South. As it's different histories in terms of racism and Black people in America.

There is a reason for the high percentage in Mississippi - the doc in this thread gives a great history on why - and it explains why there are still issues and divisive beliefs there - plus the remnant of Black Americans in the state.

https://civilwartalk.com/threads/full-documentary-mississippi's-war-slavery-and-secession-mpb.120860/#post-1261550

The point here is not monuments or the historical reasons Mississippi has more black citizens than does Maine. It is about the charge that white Southerners today are more racist than white Mainers. There's really no way to know is there? Mississippi has a population that is around 40% AA and from what I know the two races generally get along pretty well. Race relations have improved by orders of magnitude in my lifetime. On the other hand Maine has a Black population of 1% or so. Suspend belief for a moment and create the same demographic there as you have in a Deep South State and see what the reaction would be among the Whites there. I suspect it wouldn't be pretty but that is the only way you could accurately contrast the people of those two places. We see a lot of piety here among some who talk a good game but for them it's just all conversation.

 

[cash]

The point here is not monuments or the historical reasons Mississippi has more black citizens than does Maine. It is about the charge that white Southerners today are more racist than white Mainers. There's really no way to know is there? Mississippi has a population that is around 40% AA and from what I know the two races generally get along pretty well. Race relations have improved by orders of magnitude in my lifetime. On the other hand Maine has a Black population of 1% or so. Suspend belief for a moment and create the same demographic there as you have in a Deep South State and see what the reaction would be among the Whites there. I suspect it wouldn't be pretty but that is the only way you could accurately contrast the people of those two places. We see a lot of piety here among some who talk a good game but for them it's just all conversation.

Here ya go, Robert.

http://www.pressherald.com/2016/09/...-significant-issue-with-institutional-racism/

https://www.aclumaine.org/en/news/guest-post-experiencing-racism-maine

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/28/us/28bangor.html?mcubz=1

http://thebollard.com/2015/01/06/a-new-approach-to-combating-racism-in-maine/

 

[chellers]

@cash and @RobertP have been banned for failure to heed warning in post #65; off topic.

Chellers, as moderator

 

[UCVRelics]

Let me ask a question. If the monument was restored with private money, would that affect your views?

GREAT Article. Not going to get into the weeds on this as there are several threads concerning this matter. I live here in Demopolis and have been to every Council meetings where this is sue was on the agenda. The monument belongs to the UDC NOT the city and Pat Godwin head of the Alabama UDC offered to pay the cities $5k deductible as did the SCV. That was declined by the council. Then the Alabama monument bill was passed. Not the mayor has ask the state what to do. Until then the monument no matter how damaged stays put. Here are few photos and one that shows the cropped boots.

 

[Georgia Sixth]

So, I am not sure how adding something back in another form - showcases care and truly understanding how other taxpayers feel. Nor wanting a progressive change. You can progress and still honor your ancestors.

It's not about having sympathy for Black people - it's about being mindful that others have opposite histories of oneself. And understanding and finding a way to still honor your ancestors while understanding that.

I am not against monuments - but I think there are other ways to honor ancestors - and help the community as a whole with that money. It's one thing if it was up - but it's not anymore. I would take that as a sign of change.

Hi, Dedej,

The monument controversy is so potent, I think, because we've done such a lousy job understanding our national history. I think the best way we can honor all our ancestors is respect all their stories, even when they collide.

So should the memorial to Confederate soldiers be restored? I don't know. In the words of one of our most famous slaveholders, "the earth belongs to the living, not the dead", so if society today doesn't want the statue in the middle of town, then it goes. The living decide. But it's good to understand why that statue was so important to the dead.

Defeat in the Civil War was a cataclysmic event for the majority of white southerners. In the decades afterward, as some semblance of recovery occurred, the white population (remember how many widows, unmarried and never-to-marry women, and maimed men there were) wished to honor and remember the losses they shared. This was the original significance of those monuments. We ought to respect that some way. But we should also recognize the original American system they were fighting to preserve, the system of chattel slavery based on race. So while the Confederate bravery and determination can inspire, we also have to scratch our heads and say "they really believed that ****?" Yes, they did and the southerners were not alone in those beliefs. Our society needs to understand that and make the connection.

By the same token, slavery was a cataclysmic event for the Africans and their descendants and only the defeat of the CSA finally ended that institution. In our national story, that was how emancipation came and there should be the same degree of commemoration in the South of the fall of slavery and a celebration of those who helped the freedmen build new communities. But real freedom was another matter. About the time these CSA monuments sprang up was when the Jim Crow system of apartheid became the norm in Dixie. So these monuments can also be viewed as a victory statement of sorts of the **** belief system behind Jim Crow. That peculiar aftermath of our Civil War needs to be remembered far better than it is today.

In general, I agree with historian Gary Gallagher who says more monuments is better than fewer, so long as the additional monuments help present a fuller and more complex picture of all that went on. It is good if we can find heroes to admire in all the strands of our story.

Final note. I would steer clear of decisions on this matter based on feelings because (1) feelings are often not rational and (2) feelings can be based on misinformation or flawed presumptions. Far better to help the community of today understand what everyone went through in the past. Much of that will be uncomfortable, but so be it. Better to know and understand and, hopefully, find things to celebrate – and commemorate – in each of the stories.

I love your posts, even when my agreement is only partial.

- Terry

 

[wingatecivilwar5]

They've always been an issue. The thing is, it's only recently that white folks are listening to the people for whom it's always been an issue.

OK so they always been an issue, I never knew but then maybe I was blind to the facts. My issue isn't that people are offended by the monuments my issue is why doesn't the opinion of the person who wants to keep or likes the monument count? I can't say "Merry Christmas" because it offends someone. They say I have rights! So do I , we all have the same rights don't we? How come your offended when I say Merry Christmas and that's OK but if I say i'm offended by something in your religion or whatever I'm racist? And your not... come folks you can't have it both ways. There is the Slavery and Freedom Museum in Washington D.C. which highlights the struggle for freedom. Doesn't that remind people of what happened leading up to and during the Civil War? They have exhibits and photos of the miss treatment of African Americans, but that doesn't bother anyone? Why not? I am a simple person I just can't wrap my head around what a bleach white stone honoring a dead confederate or a confederate unit is hurting, the same people who are offended would pay to go to the museum and be reminded of the horror slaves endured. Don't the museum's and the monuments tell the same story? I may never understand and that's OK everyone see's things in a different way and I get that. If they are going to remove a monument honoring a Confederate Unit or soldier it shouldn't be celebrated and I think the monuments should be moved to another location like a protected battlefield. Then at least people can still honor the Confederate soldiers and units, and if your offended you have the option of not going to that battlefield. I think that's a fair compromise.

 

[Dedej]

Hi, Dedej,

The monument controversy is so potent, I think, because we've done such a lousy job understanding our national history. I think the best way we can honor all our ancestors is respect all their stories, even when they collide.

So should the memorial to Confederate soldiers be restored? I don't know. In the words of one of our most famous slaveholders, "the earth belongs to the living, not the dead", so if society today doesn't want the statue in the middle of town, then it goes. The living decide. But it's good to understand why that statue was so important to the dead.

Defeat in the Civil War was a cataclysmic event for the majority of white southerners. In the decades afterward, as some semblance of recovery occurred, the white population (remember how many widows, unmarried and never-to-marry women, and maimed men there were) wished to honor and remember the losses they shared. This was the original significance of those monuments. We ought to respect that some way. But we should also recognize the original American system they were fighting to preserve, the system of chattel slavery based on race. So while the Confederate bravery and determination can inspire, we also have to scratch our heads and say "they really believed that ****?" Yes, they did and the southerners were not alone in those beliefs. Our society needs to understand that and make the connection.

By the same token, slavery was a cataclysmic event for the Africans and their descendants and only the defeat of the CSA finally ended that institution. In our national story, that was how emancipation came and there should be the same degree of commemoration in the South of the fall of slavery and a celebration of those who helped the freedmen build new communities. But real freedom was another matter. About the time these CSA monuments sprang up was when the Jim Crow system of apartheid became the norm in Dixie. So these monuments can also be viewed as a victory statement of sorts of the **** belief system behind Jim Crow. That peculiar aftermath of our Civil War needs to be remembered far better than it is today.

In general, I agree with historian Gary Gallagher who says more monuments is better than fewer, so long as the additional monuments help present a fuller and more complex picture of all that went on. It is good if we can find heroes to admire in all the strands of our story.

Final note. I would steer clear of decisions on this matter based on feelings because (1) feelings are often not rational and (2) feelings can be based on misinformation or flawed presumptions. Far better to help the community of today understand what everyone went through in the past. Much of that will be uncomfortable, but so be it. Better to know and understand and, hopefully, find things to celebrate – and commemorate – in each of the stories.

I love your posts, even when my agreement is only partial.

- Terry

Hi Terry,

Thanks for responding and the kind words

I understand. I do.

I think Demopolis will make the right decision in the end. What that will be for their community - I don't know.

I think steering clear from feelings and/or placing ourselves in someone else's shoes -- is one of the long standing issues in America today. But, that is my personal opinion.

Thinking rational while allowing feelings to come into play has made me who I am today. It allows me to see both sides of an argument, an open heart to listen to another's opinion and making sure I am respectful, careful and mindful when addressing someone or an issue.

Even when like you - my agreement is only partial -- or sometimes - when I don't agree at all.

I hope we can all start to do that more - I think it would really help change our relationships with each other.

Thanks again

Dede

 

[Dedej]

OK so they always been an issue, I never knew but then maybe I was blind to the facts. My issue isn't that people are offended by the monuments my issue is why doesn't the opinion of the person who wants to keep or likes the monument count? I can't say "Merry Christmas" because it offends someone. They say I have rights! So do I , we all have the same rights don't we? How come your offended when I say Merry Christmas and that's OK but if I say i'm offended by something in your religion or whatever I'm racist? And your not... come folks you can't have it both ways. There is the Slavery and Freedom Museum in Washington D.C. which highlights the struggle for freedom. Doesn't that remind people of what happened leading up to and during the Civil War? They have exhibits and photos of the miss treatment of African Americans, but that doesn't bother anyone? Why not? I am a simple person I just can't wrap my head around what a bleach white stone honoring a dead confederate or a confederate unit is hurting, the same people who are offended would pay to go to the museum and be reminded of the horror slaves endured. Don't the museum's and the monuments tell the same story? I may never understand and that's OK everyone see's things in a different way and I get that. If they are going to remove a monument honoring a Confederate Unit or soldier it shouldn't be celebrated and I think the monuments should be moved to another location like a protected battlefield. Then at least people can still honor the Confederate soldiers and units, and if your offended you have the option of not going to that battlefield. I think that's a fair compromise.

I hope it's ok to respond to your post. If not, I will respectfully understand being banned from this thread.

OK so they always been an issue, I never knew but then maybe I was blind to the facts. My issue isn't that people are offended by the monuments my issue is why doesn't the opinion of the person who wants to keep or likes the monument count?

-- The issue many find is their opinions have always counted - and others opinions have been silenced or ignored.

I can't say "Merry Christmas" because it offends someone. They say I have rights! So do I , we all have the same rights don't we? How come your offended when I say Merry Christmas and that's OK but if I say i'm offended by something in your religion or whatever I'm racist? And your not... come folks you can't have it both ways.

-- "Merry Christmas" Creative...lol. I will say in the editorial - not one of the Demopolis residents -- nor anyone in this thread stated if you side with the monuments you are "racist." To be clear, I for one do not believe that.

From the editorial:

"I realized what it represented to them, and then I realized what it represented to me," said Annye Braxton, the former civil rights activist. If we are the City of the People, it represents an exclusion of my people. And if we are the City of the People, I think we should be included in the monument. Put Dr. King up there. Put President Obama up there, along with your Confederate soldier."​

As Gracie, 50, teased out Braxton's locks, he said that because the statue had always been there, "when I see it, I don't see it. It wasn't like it was an issue. Then an accident occurs and you start to hear all this stuff about somebody wanted to destroy their 'history.' It changes the conversation, because then you find out the spirit that flows through that monument is still flowing through these people today. All these years you say this should be a model city as far as race relations are concerned, but you want to erect the one thing that keeps us divided?"

"When I walk out of my office, I have had to look up at the statue, and it's not a pretty sight to me," said Lankster, 67. "It was part of the landscape of the city of Demopolis, and I expected it to be there when I was dead and gone. I was delighted when it was knocked down because I know the roots from which it stems."

Johnny Hertz, right, relaxes on a stoop in Demopolis. When he heard the Confederate statue was knocked down, he said, "I was somewhat elated, because I don't think it should've been there in the first place."

One answer is that white residents were learning that "there are some things that we suppressed," said Jones, the black council member. Those suppressed feelings were, in essence, black people's contribution to the shared projection of Demopolis as a town where the races got along.​

There is the Slavery and Freedom Museum in Washington D.C. which highlights the struggle for freedom. Doesn't that remind people of what happened leading up to and during the Civil War? They have exhibits and photos of the miss treatment of African Americans, but that doesn't bother anyone?

Keyword: Museum.

Not sure why would it bother someone - it's a museum. They purposely go there to learn more about "Slavery and Freedom" in America. People of all backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities visit museums to learn more about the subjects of that particular museum. It is different than a monument.

I just can't wrap my head around what a bleach white stone honoring a dead confederate or a confederate unit is hurting, the same people who are offended would pay to go to the museum and be reminded of the horror slaves endured.

Keyword: Pay

Don't the museum's and the monuments tell the same story?

-- No - and they can't really be compared.

If they are going to remove a monument honoring a Confederate Unit or soldier it shouldn't be celebrated and I think the monuments should be moved to another location like a protected battlefield. . Then at least people can still honor the Confederate soldiers and units, and if your offended you have the option of not going to that battlefield. I think that's a fair compromise.

-- I totally agree.


I hope I helped answer some of your questions and concerns.

Dede

 

[Andersonh1]

I wish that at some point, if we had to have a debate over these monuments, it had started something like this:

Person A: that monument means something to me because it represents a memorial to my dead ancestors
Person B: that monument is hurtful to me because it celebrates a cause that sought to keep my ancestors enslaved

Both: how can we resolve this?

That's kind of a fairytale, but regardless, it would have been nice to see both sides expressing what these monuments meant and then working out some way to address both sides. But it doesn't work that way. We get accusations and lectures and demonstrations, and people get defensive and hardened in their positions, and the whole issue turns into another political fight. It's a sad thing.

 

[uaskme]

A Black Cop fell asleep at the wheel and knocked the Monument down. The City has 5 Commissioners. 2 Blacks from Black communities, 2 Whites from the White communities and a younger White commissioner from the 50/50 community. Population growth since 1990 2.85 percent. A good indicator of why the communities are still split because they have had no growth. Demopolis is about 60 miles from Tuscaloosa, Al which has UAB and a Mercedes Plant.

So the City isn't a good Measure of what Alabama is or what the South is. Some communities fail. They do in the South as elsewhere. Blacks have a Voice. They sure did in New Orleans and I'm sure they do in Demopolis. This should be a Community decision but looks as though it will be decided by the State.

 

[Dedej]

A Black Cop fell asleep at the wheel and knocked the Monument down. The City has 5 Commissioners. 2 Blacks from Black communities, 2 Whites from the White communities and a younger White commissioner from the 50/50 community. Population growth since 1990 2.85 percent. A good indicator of why the communities are still split because they have had no growth. Demopolis is about 60 miles from Tuscaloosa, Al which has UAB and a Mercedes Plant.

So the City isn't a good Measure of what Alabama is or what the South is. Some communities fail. They do in the South as elsewhere. Blacks have a Voice. They sure did in New Orleans and I'm sure they do in Demopolis. This should be a Community decision but looks as though it will be decided by the State.

Possibly. But, from the article - they are just recently being heard or should I say openly addressed.

Demopolis and Louisiana are very different. Louisiana is larger, more people, industries, HHI/educational levels -- and a Tourist town. That's like comparing a small town to Atlanta.

Putting myself in their shoes - if I worked and live in a town such as Demopolis --- and are employed by/with those that in support of monuments - I don't think I would say anything against them either. If I did, it would be anonymous - and honestly - it would be to someone outside of my community and/or state. I wouldn't want any issues/backlash. The legacy of Slavery and Jim Crow are still in the air + energy there -- and it's because as you stated -- no "growth" - no new energy coming into the town to liven/challenge or lead to change.

And...It makes sense they didn't... and it appears - no one ever thought to ask them - "hey - how does that monument make YOU feel? Are you cool with it?"

 

[WalkingTurtles]

I don't think so. I think both are right up there together. But, you have a right to your opinion.

It's not about being acceptable. A statue is acceptable. But, in a town or public area for all - I would think that it should make all and/or the majority of the residents agree on it's presence and on the same page - that it should be there. And from the article - It sounds like their residents are not all on the same page. Insurance money or not.



I agree. I don't think it stops anyone - it doesn't. And I really HOPE that the Black residents do. But, let's be realistic -- they don't have organizations set up + -it appears - that most don't have the income and education so... they don't have the funds or know how. But, hopefully they will one day -- and it will be interesting how and if they get any backlash - if they tried.



Thank you Everyone is different. I can hear a song and it can adversely affect me for a little while. So, I can imagine that a statue could for some. Would it for me? I don't know. I don't live in such a place.

But, it's a possibility -- and my priorities are well placed and aligned in my life. Things, events, memories - evoke emotions, feelings and can affect how one feels about themselves. Put that on top of how one may feel or are being treated - it can definitely do that. I don't live there - but that's a pretty human experience.



I don't know what's right or wrong. I just think a conversation - another one should happen. I would think a playground - and dedicate to the descendants of the soldiers and enslaved. I think that's pretty sweet.



I don't think this is pitting anyone against anyone. If anything - the monument is aiding in that. Believe it or not... it does.

In town like this, I agree. I think it will always be like that - and at one point - if Black people want a change - they must make one or leave. It's that clear - but I also know from visiting Alabama - they are in another mindset and situation - that they inherited from their ancestors. Thank God my parents got out of Alabama. I love to visit for a day or so... but I couldn't' imagine that experience.

I'm of the firm belief that all monuments of Confederate nature should placed in museums, parks, battlefields, or other places of extreme historical connection. All the monuments in New Orleans being taken down is fine except Beauregard, because he was from there, he has a lasting impact on American History. He is apart of New Orleans. However, confederate monuments in front of courthouses or govt buildings is another thing. If the parties who want them down can have patience and work with the opposing side to find a rightful place for them they should.

I will say however, if for example New Orleans wanted to put a popular African American figure monument, the concept of arguing against would catastrophic. Labels such as racist and **** would be thrown out. To me equality is a statue of Robert E Lee next to Martin Luther King Jr. Tearing one down in place of the other, is simply retribution and contrite.

 

[wingatecivilwar5]

I hope it's ok to respond to your post. If not, I will respectfully understand being banned from this thread.

OK so they always been an issue, I never knew but then maybe I was blind to the facts. My issue isn't that people are offended by the monuments my issue is why doesn't the opinion of the person who wants to keep or likes the monument count?

-- The issue many find is their opinions have always counted - and others opinions have been silenced or ignored.

I can't say "Merry Christmas" because it offends someone. They say I have rights! So do I , we all have the same rights don't we? How come your offended when I say Merry Christmas and that's OK but if I say i'm offended by something in your religion or whatever I'm racist? And your not... come folks you can't have it both ways.

-- "Merry Christmas" Creative...lol. I will say in the editorial - not one of the Demopolis residents -- nor anyone in this thread stated if you side with the monuments you are "racist." To be clear, I for one do not believe that.

From the editorial:

"I realized what it represented to them, and then I realized what it represented to me," said Annye Braxton, the former civil rights activist. If we are the City of the People, it represents an exclusion of my people. And if we are the City of the People, I think we should be included in the monument. Put Dr. King up there. Put President Obama up there, along with your Confederate soldier."​

As Gracie, 50, teased out Braxton's locks, he said that because the statue had always been there, "when I see it, I don't see it. It wasn't like it was an issue. Then an accident occurs and you start to hear all this stuff about somebody wanted to destroy their 'history.' It changes the conversation, because then you find out the spirit that flows through that monument is still flowing through these people today. All these years you say this should be a model city as far as race relations are concerned, but you want to erect the one thing that keeps us divided?"

"When I walk out of my office, I have had to look up at the statue, and it's not a pretty sight to me," said Lankster, 67. "It was part of the landscape of the city of Demopolis, and I expected it to be there when I was dead and gone. I was delighted when it was knocked down because I know the roots from which it stems."

Johnny Hertz, right, relaxes on a stoop in Demopolis. When he heard the Confederate statue was knocked down, he said, "I was somewhat elated, because I don't think it should've been there in the first place."

One answer is that white residents were learning that "there are some things that we suppressed," said Jones, the black council member. Those suppressed feelings were, in essence, black people's contribution to the shared projection of Demopolis as a town where the races got along.​

There is the Slavery and Freedom Museum in Washington D.C. which highlights the struggle for freedom. Doesn't that remind people of what happened leading up to and during the Civil War? They have exhibits and photos of the miss treatment of African Americans, but that doesn't bother anyone?

Keyword: Museum.

Not sure why would it bother someone - it's a museum. They purposely go there to learn more about "Slavery and Freedom" in America. People of all backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities visit museums to learn more about the subjects of that particular museum. It is different than a monument.

I just can't wrap my head around what a bleach white stone honoring a dead confederate or a confederate unit is hurting, the same people who are offended would pay to go to the museum and be reminded of the horror slaves endured.

Keyword: Pay

Don't the museum's and the monuments tell the same story?

-- No - and they can't really be compared.

If they are going to remove a monument honoring a Confederate Unit or soldier it shouldn't be celebrated and I think the monuments should be moved to another location like a protected battlefield. . Then at least people can still honor the Confederate soldiers and units, and if your offended you have the option of not going to that battlefield. I think that's a fair compromise.

-- I totally agree.


I hope I helped answer some of your questions and concerns.

Dede

You have valid answers to my statements and I am grateful for that. I don't think anyone following this site believes that people who side with monuments are racists but outside this website you know people think that. As for my Merry Christmas comment that's totally true, work in government and yeah its true. The museums I agree tell a different story and you can choose to go or not but what about the museum's that receive federal funding? Can enough pressure be put on the Federal Government to alter or eliminate these museum's? I think these are valid concerns, who ever thought we would see monuments being removed. I would never have an issue with someone replying to one of my comments or posts. I value your views and totally understand we don't all have to agree all the time, that would be boring. Thank you for your response's.