It's a part of history. I do agree that the time period that a lot of these were constructed should be a point of discussion, but cooly if possible.
I'm from Ga, so Stone Mountain is a discussion point as well.
I didn't realize until this year the history behind the carving, but it is also within the state law as a landmark and cannot be destroyed until the state constitution is amended. It appears to me that the relief was completed after the involvement with racist groups were barred from the park officially so that probably should factor in as well.
I'm all for the discussion, because it literally is the largest monument in the world with this theme. What I do NOT want to see is the carving detonated off and used as a blank "slate" for advertisers to bombard me with whatever.
There are solutions to this, but even if they take every memorial down, there is still stone mountain and it's...err...gigantic.
They bring up the past for me, but as a way to learn from it, even as a painful reminder, because there were a lot of factors in the civil war besides slavery...that appeared to be the linchpin but it's possible that it was something else and slavery was just so very "visible". If others feel differently, then certainly a productive discussion should be had. A lot of people that fought in the civil war in the south had literally no stake in the slavery issue but fought anyway, because it was their home.
When I think of those generals I don't think of slavery, but I do think of state's rights. It is VERY unfortunate that slavery was the issue that was used in this "overall purpose", quite sad. The positive is that either way the war turned out and the devastation that followed, slavery was no longer legal.
Anyone that sees these monuments as promoting racism should look deeply into the history. I get that, much like the dixie flag, it has been pirated to become a symbol for racism in some contexts (particularly the flag) as well as other things. If we can all agree that is "has" to mean that, then changes WILL be made. This is why the discussion is important for those who have strong views.
is it legit on the same level as the swastika?
I'm totally open to the discussion from others that are in favor of these monuments being taken down. Taking down a monument may make some that are offended "feel" better, but is it actually tackling the issue? It seems it may have the opposite effect of sweeping injustice under the rug. It's cold metal, wood, and stone.
It's a great rent across the fabric of our history. I appreciate the reminder, no matter how uncomfortable it makes me at times.
Little known but the 13th amendment (Civil war) also included indentured servitude which is definitely worth apprising oneself of. This type of slavery existed in the north probably a lot more commonly, although I'd have to do some more research if anyone is interested.
Nowadays it exists in a different form, for quite a few people across races...alas that is another discussion.