The removal of confederate statues and other monument is occurring because not only is it an offensive hateful display of white supremacist arrogance. it is an attempt of racist and white supremacists to rewrite history for the last 50-100 years.
America needs to be able to heal from hate, and sometimes healing itself is painful. But, it has to occur for the process to be completed. So the statues must be torn down in the process of healing America's soul.
As I spend many of my days within sight of Stone Mountain I am constantly reminded that the entire park is a monument to the confederacy.
Just walking through the park reading the placards, bronze plates, and inscriptions put's on full display the complete southern rejection of history and reality.
And despite how the park politely insinuates itself in the community, it's role and meaning are anything but polite.
And despite how the park politely insinuates itself in the community, it's role and meaning are anything but polite.
I have spent money to take visitors from around the country to the park because it is important to give them insight into what comprises "southern history and tradition."
The conclusion each time is that the version of southern history promulgated by it's supporters is a fraud.
The conclusion each time is that the version of southern history promulgated by it's supporters is a fraud.
What makes matters worse, the KKK was reborn and brought back for it's second national iteration on Stone Mountain in 1915, where Labor Day Cross burnings were annual events for 50 years. The KKK rebirth was inspired by the film "Birth of a Nation."
Stone Mountain was mentioned in at least one speech by Dr. Martin Luther King when he bellowed "let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia."
That portion of the speech had numerous meanings and insights, but it was a clear acknowledgment that freedom will not be a reality as long as monuments of hate continue to exist on the landscape as an ever-present reminder of white supremacy and racism.
Stone Mountain cannot be torn down. The 800 foot tall boulder of solid granite is itself the symbol. But because Stone Mountain is arguably the largest and most virulent symbol of white supremacist hate in America, it should be shut down.
@threadreaderapp unroll...
