We'd all be better off if we scrubbed history of its idealized & therefore false portraits of our heroes. Rather than statues, we need examples of how real men & women have sacrificed and led and innovated and contributed. There's plenty to inspire us even w/our eyes wide open.
We also benefit from the reminder that those to whom we erect statues and after whom we name buildings are chosen to send a message that benefits those in power.
If heroes do not look like all of us--if they don't reflect our diversity--they aren't heroes but tools of repression.
If heroes do not look like all of us--if they don't reflect our diversity--they aren't heroes but tools of repression.
If heroes do not sound like all of us--do not represent a diversity of viewpoints--they aren't heroes but are tools of maintaining the status quo. Period of turmoil like the one we are going through are helpful, cleansing, eye-opening.
