[Lincolnparkdc] Lincoln Park's Lincoln statue

[David Morris]

The original purpose of public monuments like the Lincoln Statue is to
commemorate particular events and people and how they were viewed at the
time, but for future generations they become something more interesting and
more complicated: a stimulus to critically reflect and inquire about those
original events, people, and views. They become teachable moments for all
of us, young and old, black and white. Judging by the discussion here, it
seems to me the Lincoln Statue is doing the job any monument should: making
us think and reflect on our past and how to interpret it.
If we remove or modify monuments because we disagree with their original
view of history, we rob monuments of this cultural function, surrounding
ourselves merely with things we find agreeable. The intellectual and
cultural stimulus is lost. I disagree with the man in Boston. A kid *should*
have to ask the tough questions the statue raises, as should we all.
I think it’s also important to keep in mind that the Lincoln Statue is part
of a duet of sculpture in Lincoln Park that expands the dialogue I’m
talking about. At the other end stands Mary McLeod Bethune celebrating with
children. The contrasting ensemble is very unusual for a national park, and
we are fortunate to have this invitation to reflection and inquiry on our
doorstep.
David
13th St. SE

On Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 5:39 PM Jeni Schoemaker <jaschoemaker at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Thank you for sending the link. It think it explains things very well. I
> remember being very upset when I first moved here and saw the statue. My
> daughter was 3 or 4 when she started asking questions about it. It prompted
> me to do research into and gain a better understanding of the purpose of it.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 15, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Sandra Caron George <sandracgeorge at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> 
> Here is the link to the article. I suggest folks read it and watch the
> very well-done video calling for removal of (or revision to) the statue
> before coming to its defense.
>
>
> https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.boston.com/news/local-news-2/2020/06/13/abraham-lincoln-statue-marty-walsh/amp
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 3:31 PM Alice Hall <alicehall515 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Surely no one could seriously consider removing our Lincoln statue. It
>> was paid for by subscription by former slaves in D.C.
>>
>> > On Jun 15, 2020, at 7:59 AM, Muriel Wolf <murieldubrow at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > I need to find the site on Google emancipation statue Boston,  My
>> brother just emailed me that Mayor Walsh of Boston is willing to remove the
>> Lincoln statue---just like ours which is in Boston and replace it with a
>> Black created statue.    We need to be aware that issues might arise with
>> our Lincoln statue, which so many of us love.  Mimi Wolf
>> >
>> > On Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 9:12 AM <citymom92 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> > We’re removing our old, disintegrating slate patio and installing
>> pervious pavers, but have probably 40 or so 1/2” thick slate pieces that
>> might still be usable for someone planning a small patio area.  PM if you’d
>> like to take some, preferably all. We’ve pulled out a few, but there’s more
>> to pry up (it’s not hard-screwdriver and a little muscle). I’m hoping to
>> keep it out of a landfill.
>> >
>> > Contact me offline if you want them-
>> > Gina A
>> > 100 bl Kentucky
>> > citymom92 AT gmail DOT com
>> >
>> >
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