Go ahead and take those Robert E. Lee statues down. Lee's claim in history is for being commander of the Confederate army. Not much more than that is he famous for.
And, remove Robert Lee Durham's name from Durham Hall at Southern Virginia University. Durham reportedly was an "explicit, public, proactive" advocate of white supremacy.
Why name a dorm hall or anything else after him?
But, much of this toppling of statues and cleansing of names off buildings is not necessary. We don't live in a world of perfect people. No, it isn't good that some of our icons were slaveholders. Bad on them. Still, if they served for good in great and measurable ways, do not judge them just by their weaknesses. Let therm be remembered for the good they did.
The righteous become the wicked when looked at through magnifying glasses. Look close enough, and you'll find fault in all of us. You, yourself, will have faults.
Should we replace the Star-Spangled Banner? Francis Scott Key was a slave owner. More than that, the third verse contains racist language. I say, No. Take that third verse out, or rewrite it, but it is a wonderful song. Change that third verse to be a tribute to black people, perhaps, but do not get rid of the National Anthem.
Been thinking more on this after learning more about the third verse's context and the bite maybe "land of free" originally could have been intended to have.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we sing our anthem with that intention, but there does seem to be some uncomfortable history more now know of. With all the wonderful patriotic songs we do have, maybe it would be good to pick one that unites.