NYC may remove monuments to George Washington and Columbus.
A Committee of the New York City Council to Vote on Removing Monuments
A committee of the New York City Council is set to vote Tuesday on a proposal that could result in the removal of monuments to figures like George Washington and Christopher Columbus.
The proposal before the NYC Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations states that public art depicting individuals connected to slavery or “crimes against humanity” should be taken down or accompanied by an explanatory plaque.
“This bill would require the Public Design Commission (PDC) to publish a plan to remove works of art on City property that depict a person who owned enslaved persons or directly benefited economically from slavery, or who participated in systemic crimes against indigenous peoples or other crimes against humanity. If PDC determines a work of art depicts a person who fits these criteria and decides not to remove the work of art, PDC would be required to include in the plan steps it will take to install an explanatory plaque next to the work of art,” the proposal says.
Republican officials argue that the proposal is an attempt to erase history and dishonor the individuals who played a significant role in the creation of America.
“This is little more than an attempt by the radical left to rewrite our nation’s history,” said Republican Councilwoman Joann Ariola of Queens, according to the New York Post. “These men all had an enormous impact on this country, and these statues commemorating their achievements have been in place for decades.”
“The radical left has been trying to reframe our nation as one born from evil, and it is time we put our foot down and say enough is enough,” she added. “The Founding Fathers and the others who worked so hard to establish this great country should be celebrated, not eliminated from memory.”
There are multiple statues of George Washington throughout the city, including one in front of Federal Hall, which served as the home to the nation’s first Congress, executive branch offices, and Supreme Court. Monuments to Washington can also be found in Union Square Park and Lafayette Square, where there is a statue of Washington and Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette who fought with the Americans during the American Revolution.
Christopher Columbus, known for establishing a link between Europe and the Americas, also has several monuments in the city, including a prominent statue in Central Park. Columbus has been revered by the Italian-American community as a symbol of the connection between Italy and the U.S.
Other figures such as Peter Stuyvesant, John Jay, and DeWitt Clinton could also face the possibility of having their monuments removed.
New York City officials have already taken down a statue of Thomas Jefferson from the city council chambers and a statue of President Teddy Roosevelt from in front of the city’s Natural History Museum.
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How did the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville impact the push to remove or recontextualize controversial monuments in the United States?
L is an attempt to erase history and ignore the contributions of these historical figures. They claim that removing monuments does not address the underlying issues or promote understanding and dialogue.
On the other hand, proponents of the proposal argue that these monuments represent a painful history of slavery and oppression and serve as a reminder of the injustices committed against marginalized communities. They believe that by removing or contextualizing these statues, it encourages a more inclusive and honest discussion about our past.
This debate over the removal of monuments is not unique to New York City. Across the United States, there have been numerous controversies and protests surrounding statues commemorating Confederate generals and other controversial historical figures.
The push to remove or recontextualize these monuments gained momentum following the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where white supremacists clashed with counter-protesters over the proposed removal of a Confederate General Robert E. Lee statue.
Since then, many cities have taken action, either by removing these statues or adding plaques that provide a more comprehensive historical context. The aim is to promote a deeper understanding of how these figures contributed to a system of oppression and to acknowledge the voices of those who have been marginalized.
The proposal before the NYC Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations reflects the ongoing discussion surrounding monuments in New York City. The committee will vote on whether to remove statues of figures like George Washington and Christopher Columbus, who have long been celebrated for their contributions to the nation’s founding.
George Washington, the first president of the United States, is widely revered for his leadership during the American Revolution and his role in establishing the new nation. However, he was also a slave owner, and this aspect of his legacy cannot be ignored. Similarly, Christopher Columbus, known as the explorer who discovered the Americas, was involved in the enslavement and mistreatment of indigenous peoples.
The proposal suggests that these statues be removed or accompanied by explanatory plaques that provide a more nuanced understanding of these figures’ histories. By doing so, it acknowledges the complexity of their legacies and encourages a more inclusive approach to historical commemoration.
This vote comes at a time when the nation grapples with issues of racial justice and inequality. The removal of statues is seen by some as a step towards addressing systemic injustices and acknowledging the pain caused by historical figures directly involved in slavery and oppression.
However, it is essential to approach this issue with careful consideration. While some statues undoubtedly glorify individuals who perpetuated harm, others serve as reminders of significant historical events or contributions. Striking a balance between preserving history and addressing past wrongs is a complex task.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the NYC Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations. Their vote will determine whether these statues will be removed or remain standing with explanatory plaques. Regardless of the outcome, this debate demonstrates the significance of historical symbols and the need for ongoing dialogue about how we honor and remember our past.
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