PortalsOS

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan ordered the removal of the Tribute to the Women of the Southern Confederacy Monument, stating that it was a divisive presence that had no place in a city park. She emphasized that symbols matter because they tell the world what we stand for and what we aspire to be.

The changing portrayal of historical figures in media, like Philip Schuyler's evolving depiction in the Albany Times Union, underscores how historical narratives are being rewritten to align with contemporary values.

The removal of historical figures' statues, like Philip Schuyler's, is seen as part of a broader effort to erase shared history and replace it with new narratives. This movement is perceived as an attempt by activists to gain control by reshaping cultural symbols.

Mary Liz Stewart, co-founder of the Education Center, emphasized the importance of preserving controversial statues for educational purposes rather than destroying them. Her perspective reflects a desire to engage with history critically rather than erase it.

The contrasting treatment of statues, such as the removal of Philip Schuyler's and the protection of George Floyd's, highlights perceived inconsistencies in societal values. This reflects a shift in what is considered 'welcoming' and acceptable in public spaces.

The removal of statues is seen by some as part of a radical left-wing campaign to erase and rewrite history, rather than promoting racial unity or healing.

State Representative Dean Black criticized the removal of the monument as a stunning abuse of power by Mayor Deegan, arguing that it was done without consulting the public or having the authority to do so.

Senator Schatz emphasizes the importance of peaceful protests and civic engagement, stating that actions like the rally on October 18th, known as the 'no-kings protest,' are crucial for demonstrating that the United States is not a monarchy and that citizens are still in charge of their government.

The decision to remove Philip Schuyler's statue was made without public consultation, reflecting a top-down approach by a few bureaucrats. Despite local interviews, even supporters of the removal struggled to articulate the reasons behind their stance, indicating a lack of clear public consensus.

The argument against removing statues is that even if they were erected with racist intentions, they can be given new meanings over time. This is compared to the transformation of the n-word from a racial slur to a term of endearment in some contexts.