While individuals argue that keeping the Gettysburg Monuments are a way of preserving American history, it is form of contributing to the racist and discriminatory strategies of our nation. The monuments represent individuals fighting to keep slavery and racism in the south. It commends a battle that took place to keep Black and Brown individuals enslaved. In particular, The National Park Service expressed that The Virginia Monument was the first Southern state monument placed on the Gettysburg battlefield in 1917. The presence of this monument represents Robert E. Lee, a confederate general who was a member of the confederate party. Such representation does not align with the values or morals of this generation. The Gettysburg monuments need to be removed and abolished. There are ways to continue preserving American history without monuments that represent racist tactics.
Robert E. Lee Middle School and High Schools are normal in states like Maryland and Virginia. Such decisions in naming a school affect our youth and or the next generation of innovators, leaders, and CEO’s. The argument that keeping the Gettysburg Monuments is preserving history is not a valid one. It is an argument that is used as an excuse to continue embedding racism in the minds of our youth and society. Certain changes have already been made and implemented in areas of Virginia Maryland and DC, the continuation of these monuments reflect ideologies from our past history rooted in racism, discrimination, and dehumanizing beliefs for Black and Brown individuals in the so-called country “Land of the Free”. However, what individuals often fail to recognize and acknowledge, is that the territory of the United States was built on Stolen land by the superior. Therefore, I continue to uphold my previous argument that the Gettysburg monuments should be removed and abolished. alongside the racism and hatred that comes with it.
The Battle of Gettysburg lasted three days from July 1st to the 3rd in 1863. From this event in History, the Gettysburg monuments were introduced. Monuments like these should no longer be around. It is evident that racism and discrimination still exists, even within president administrations however, ideals should not be repeated nor mimicked. Similarly to the South Carolina monument; its’ existence should not be present as what it represents is dehumanizing. I as a BIPOC individual can not, and refuse to uphold such beliefs. I compare such tactics as having a Swastika out in the plain wide open for the whole public to see. We can argue that we must place Swastika’s all over our country to preserve our history because it’s important, and disregard the hatred, racist, and dehumanizing characteristics within such a symbol. However, we decide to conform and keep such monuments present without realizing the affect and influence of them. Overall, Gettysburg monuments should be abolished and removed but still discussed in our history book and educators should continue allowing a space for discussion and foster an environment of growth and learning in a respectful manner- of course this is up for interpretation depending on who you ask. So are we really preserving history? Or making up excuses to continue practicing racist ideals?