Read on Twitter
re grant and antisemitism, as General he issued a truly bigoted and indefensible order expelling Jewish people from KY, TN, and MS https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/general-grant-s-infamy
Grant believed Jewish people were profiteering, in line with stereotypes about greed. Lincoln rescinded the order. Grant was later remorseful and appointed many Jewish people to office. 2
I think Grant's remorse and his later actions mean that his statues are not likely to, and have not been, rallying points for antisemites and for antisemitism. whether that means he should have statues in his honor...I'm agnostic. 3
what does an antiracist public sphere look like? People are trying to think that through. I don't think "no statues to slaveholders" is an unreasonable ask.
I've seen a number of black people I respect on here saying Grant's legacy is meaningful to them. and other people saying his treatment of indigenous people and holding slaves and the antisemitic order are unacceptable.
I think the argument about Grant's legacy, and the recognition of how bigotry and hatred are interwoven even with historical figures we admire to some degree, is probably more important than having the statue there. but other ppl can have different takes...
