Regarding The Flap Over Confederate Statues

[Thumpalumpacus]

Even if we took down all the Confederate memorials (which I have to admit would certainly not be the end of the world unless we have more alt-right jackasses converging on the sites like in Charlottesville trying to make it so), in terms of societal buy-in, it's a mere drop in the bucket. I suppose removing them from public property will make us feel better about ourselves, but I can't be sure if it will do much else.

Of course all the other racial elements play a larger role in American racism. I'd point out that it is precisely because the party in power is so decidedly against equal rights that these sorts of monuments serve as lightning rods for the frustrations of blacks in America.

The statuary is of course not the biggest issue those of us committed to equality have regarding race in America. Of course there are much bigger issues. Some people deal with those bigger issues. Others don't have quite the time for that due to circumstances beyond their control, but they can devote three hours to a march in order to show solidarity. Change what you can where you are, and all that.

The thing is, were I black, I'd find the stiff and unyielding defense of these monuments by a large proportion of Americans very discouraging not because those monuments are so bloody important, but because they're so unimportant. Racists flying in from around the country to insist that they be reminded of their place then must surely send a signal that those supporting the retention of said monuments support those who drive cars into crowds for that goal, and that will surely erode commitment. I mean, how can they expect motion on those larger issues when racists are willing to go to such drastic lengths for statues?