In the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, there have been calls to remove statues of Confederate soldiers, despite the fact that Floyd was killed in a northern state, not to mention the fact that the Confederacy had nothing to do with Floyd’s death nor the other recent deaths of African-Americans.
Here is a list of some of the statues of Confederate soldiers that have been targeted:
- Appomattox (a statue dedicated to Confederate soldiers from Alexandria, Virginia).
- Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Robert E. Lee Monument in Richmond, Virginia.
- Stonewall Jackson Monument in Richmond, Virginia.
- Jefferson Davis Memorial in Richmond, Virginia.
- A statue of Jefferson Davis in Frankfort, Kentucky.
- A statue of a Confederate soldier in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Meanwhile, NASCAR has banned the display of the Confederate Flag at its events, while the Marine Corps has banned the display of any Confederate memorabilia on its bases (and the Navy plans to follow suit).
But the war on statues is not limited to those who fought for the Confederacy, nor has it been limited to the United States. Statues of those who engaged in the slave trade (or perceived to symbolize racism) have been targeted for removal in the United States, Britain, and Belgium. Paintings also perceived to symbolize racism have also been targeted.
In addition, statues of Christopher Columbus and Abraham Lincoln have either been removed, been targeted for removal, or have been vandalized.
A series of name changes have also taken place. They include Clemson University (in which Calhoun Honors College being renamed Clemson University Honors College due to John C. Calhoun being a supporter of slavery), and country music band Lady Antebellum changing its name to Lady A. due to the Antebellum Era being associated with slavery.
Various movies and television series have also come under fire. They include Cops, Live PD, and Gone with the Wind.
How far will this war on statues, symbols, names, etc. go?
For example, several state capitol buildings have statues representing goddesses of liberty on the tops of their capitol domes. Will anyone who considers such statues to be idolatrous demand for them to be removed?
Will the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial be targeted next? What about the Statue of Liberty?
Some Protestants consider statues and paintings of the Virgin Mary to be idolatrous (or perceived to be worshipping the Virgin Mary). Should the Roman Catholic Church remove them in order to forge better ties with Protestants? Can the same be said in regard to any statues or paintings of the saints? Will any of the works of the Renaissance be next?
Muslims believe that no living thing should be depicted (as doing so is considered idolatrous). So should any and all forms of art be done away with?
Will all films or television series considered to be offensive face the same fate?
This war on statues, symbols, names, etc. is not a war on racism and bigotry, but instead it is a war on history and art. And it is going too far.
Which is why it needs to stop.
