Immediately following the "Unite the Right" protest in Charlottesville back in 2017, an African-American student, Takiya Thompson, 22, reportedly climbed the sculpture of a Confederate soldier in North Carolina, tied a tow-rope around it, and brought the monument to the ground. Thompson's move was allegedly in response to the violence of the "Unite the Right" rally, which claimed the life of Heather Heyer, 32, and resulted in severe injuries for 19 other people.
Consisting of primarily young White Americans, the event was initiated by far-left political activists, including the World Workers Party, where Thompson is a member. The media covered the incident, and while the Sheriff deployed peacekeepers in the area, the police force did not interfere with the rally.
This incident was among other events that have called for the removal of Confederate statues. The recent killing of George Floyd in May of 2020 while in the custody of his arresting officers has elevated the issue higher.
Americans have the right to conduct a peaceful assembly, protest, and freedom of expression.
This freedom, however, has its limitations, as everyone is accountable for their choices and actions. Government officers are also given the mandate to implement specific restrictions when dealing with speech rights exercises.
Thus, before one considers taking down memorial statues, one should realize that these tributes are milestones of the American past. These statues were erected in various places for specific reasons and should remain reminders for future generations. These figures' presence can help us understand our history and how that past shaped our country's future. Americans know how valuable these monumental legacies are and what these mean to their fellow citizens.
Yes, removing the statues would be an easier, simple solution, but monuments that embody the nation's racism can be useful for education if given a chance. In the end, it's a matter of perspective, but removing these monuments would be a missed opportunity to educate future generations.
