The current mania for pulling down statues of so-called morally corrupt historical figures is a classic case of presentism: "Reading modern notions of morality" onto the past.
How many of these activists so intent on destroying these representations of the past are fully knowledgeable of these documents that underpin the respect once given to these historical figures resulting in their statuary honors?
Erasing history serves only to throw the baby out with the bath water.
The statue-destroying activists are unwittingly displaying themselves as arrogant in the highest degree, for instead of acknowledging history and the lessons that could be learned therefrom to build a more compassionate and understanding present and future, they practice the same destructive behaviors that they are purportedly erasing from the past.
Most of the recent cases of destruction, if not all, demonstrate a woeful ignorance of history by the perpetrators.
It is better to add to the history we think we know - to unveil the hidden, to recognize and honor the forgotten, in order to make the record more honest and complete.
History demands our humble understanding, not our hubristic outrage.
How many of these activists so intent on destroying these representations of the past are fully knowledgeable of these documents that underpin the respect once given to these historical figures resulting in their statuary honors?
Erasing history serves only to throw the baby out with the bath water.
The statue-destroying activists are unwittingly displaying themselves as arrogant in the highest degree, for instead of acknowledging history and the lessons that could be learned therefrom to build a more compassionate and understanding present and future, they practice the same destructive behaviors that they are purportedly erasing from the past.
Most of the recent cases of destruction, if not all, demonstrate a woeful ignorance of history by the perpetrators.
It is better to add to the history we think we know - to unveil the hidden, to recognize and honor the forgotten, in order to make the record more honest and complete.
History demands our humble understanding, not our hubristic outrage.
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