I find the removal of confederate statues very interesting. It is clear that the purpose of these statues were to promote ideals of white supremacy in the United States, other then to honor fallen soldiers of the war. This idea that these statues are meant for white supremacy is proved by the fact that the statues have become a gathering ground for white supremacist groups. Many of those opposed to the removal of the statues state that it is wiping away history. Though i think that this is a ignorant statement when it is clear that they stand for much more then that. But at the same time i feel that the removal of these statues do nothing for acknowledging Americas racist and violent past. Its very simple to remove statues, but that isn’t progress in dismantling white supremacy, and bigotry in this country. It is just a poor attempt to satisfy black and brown communities into believing that America is changing, when in reality it is not.
The confederate statues were built to honor those who wanted to keep Blacks as slaves, as inferior, and has less. I feel that there is no pride in this, only for white supremacy which has caused centuries of pain and trauma to Blacks in America. Removing the statues do not prevent police from killing young black men, nor does it solve the numerous flaws in our justice system. Most importantly, removing statues does not remove the mentality of racism which is deeply engrained in this country. If America is willing to remove the traces of White Supremacy, then it should be willing to review and acknowledge its true history of racism and reflect and work to change these issues.
I believe that Black and Brown communities are often handed false progression when it comes to changing the way that this country treats them. We are given street names in honor of Black and Brown figures, and we see all over the country the removal of racist statues, and we are given apologies and protests regarding our experiences. Though its important to look at the reality which is still, that Black and Brown people in America still are struggling because we are brought up in a country were we are viewed as less, and are treated unfairly based on the color of our skin. Though the removal of these statues is good, it is nothing compared to the real problems that this country has. It does nothing to change the current circumstances of Black and Brown people.
