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I know there’s no room for context or nuance in 2020 America, but I’m going to try anyway. The debate over this statute really touches a nerve with me, because of what it signifies re: Abraham Lincoln. https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1343982274149285890
Our cultural debate over statues and naming things is exasperating. Some want to erase the icky parts of history to feel better about themselves. Some want to preserve every monument without considering whether every monument actually needs preserving. I’m tired of both groups.
It’s a false binary with no room for nuance or conversation about context, which is essential to discussion and understanding of our history. This statue is a classic example.
Some see a freed slave kneeling at Lincoln’s feet. Others see him rising from his chains. Depending on your worldview, it’s either oppressive or liberating. Remove it to save America from racists! Preserve it to save America from historical ignorance. Choose your own adventure!
BUT: when the Federals captured Richmond in April 1865, Lincoln walked the city. Newly freed slaves fell to their knees in front of him. It made Lincoln uncomfortable. He asked them to rise and said “Don't kneel to me. You must kneel only to God, and thank him for your freedom.”
So when I see this statute, I don’t think about oppression or liberty. I think: would Lincoln have wanted this statue? Was this a proper way to honor our society’s liberation from the chains of slavery in the first place? I don’t know. But that should be part of the discussion.
I am firmly opposed to erasing history. I’m also firmly opposed to continuing to celebrate history poorly (sometimes in bad faith or ignorance). Our American conversation shouldn’t be about tearing down/preserving statues and renaming/preserving names.
Our American conversation should be about reflecting on our history, acknowledging some things are worth preserving and some should never have been erected/named in the first place. Anyway, there’s no room for that sort of complexity, but thanks for coming to my TED Talk anyway.
