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On Heritage Day in NS, amid panic about changing street names, statues, etc., I'd like everyone in #halifax to reflect on what they learned about the past by driving on Edward Arab Ave.
Changing commemorative gestures has almost *zero* impact on public knowledge of the past.
Changing commemorative gestures has almost *zero* impact on public knowledge of the past.
This is, of course, not to disparage the memory of Lt. Arab, but to emphasise that if we actually wish to nurture historical understanding of the man in his historical context, we need to invest resources in sound historical education.
Statues, street names, even plaques?
Nope.
Statues, street names, even plaques?
Nope.
Do take the time today to read a little about Lt. Arab:
https://heritageday.novascotia.ca/content/2021-honouree-edward-francis-arab
https://heritageday.novascotia.ca/content/2021-honouree-edward-francis-arab
Public memory, of course, is a balancing act between the investment of resources to ensure something is remembered, and accepting that those resources will not be spent on other things, which may be forgotten (not erased from the record, but less prominent in public mind.)
I won't dismiss outright that the presence of a street name fosters name recognition for many, and for a few, enough curiosity to look up where the name comes from.
So, take the few who bother to read up, and take only the ~10% or fewer who will retain info from just reading...
So, take the few who bother to read up, and take only the ~10% or fewer who will retain info from just reading...
... this is why no one should panic about change in public commemorative spaces.
It's not about knowledge of the past.
It's about celebration in the present.
It's not about knowledge of the past.
It's about celebration in the present.
So... go celebrate Edward Arab Day!
Think about how his story links to profound and enduring ties between our community and Lebanon, for instance... or how his selection is in line with the identity of #halifax as a military city...
Think about how his story links to profound and enduring ties between our community and Lebanon, for instance... or how his selection is in line with the identity of #halifax as a military city...
... or pick any of a dozen other threads that show continuity & change between Lt. Arab's life, and the lives we share today in our city.
