I was taking the time to reflect upon the recent national and international events that stemmed from the George Floyd protests. Whist I have previously written that I think that the protests may have been blown way out of proportion, a phrase / question came to mind: Are You Ready For This?
As events such as these take place we have to also understand that there is always going to be a public response from all levels, from protesters to local, state and national. Leader are left to address the matters or not, that the public is demanding attention from. In the case of Floyd we saw how the movement of Black Lives Matter was aroused worldwide. And issues of slavery, colonization, Columbus and Confederacy came to the forefront too. I decided that each topic needed to be understood individually, so that we realize the interconnections. And how history has been built upon these. Thoughts which resulted from my question.
Why is the difference between The Ages of Expeditions / Explorations, Slavery and Confederacy important to decipher with? #ShaziaBlog #Quote #AllLivesMatter
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Why is the difference between The Ages of Expeditions / Explorations, Slavery and Confederacy important to decipher with? ©™
Shazia. S. Hussain, 2020
To answer the question, I realized that to have an informed answer, one may need to take a full course, or even a degree in American History or Political Science. But then I thought: How much does one want to trigger? Should we unsettle the contents of history? Maybe sometimes things are better left unsaid? Or maybe one must be selective with which beetles must be fought, or where we direct our energy. But the fact of the matter is that topics have been aroused. How states / nations handle / respond to the topic will be descriptive of what a nation stands for.
the fact of the matter is that topics have been aroused. How states / nations handle / respond to the topic will be descriptive of what a nation stands for. #ShaziaBlog #Quote
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With the matter of George Floyd – the protests continue within America. Police departments spoke up for community members, however; there are still no plans or concrete interventions that have been suggested to eliminate or are further descriptive of police reforms.
Columbus – The topic of Christopher Columbus is one that requires a view from all angles. He established relations between the Americas and Europe. Columbus was also responsible for many atrocities committed against the Natives – especially the Taino people of Hispaniola.
Slavery – Is a system that took place at a world-wide level. At present day we can ask: what can be done for the condemnation of brutal treatments.
Confederacy – This is a topic that is unique to the history of America. I wondered if at present day , there is a need for such emblems / flags that act to symbolize the supremacy of a specific race? Confederacy is the group of 11 southern states that were known for holding slaves. These states believed that the races were not equal, and supported white supremacy. Abraham Lincoln was the Republican candidate who was elected as the U. S. president, and opposed the institution of slavery and White Supremacy.
Reflection – I decided that at present day, there is no honor in the naming of and keeping of Confederate Flags or even the statues. But rather than a removal, which acts as an erasure for history. Maybe how and where removal takes place is the better solution. Such as creating museums, where individuals can go to view such history?
Topical issues such as these have only revealed the civil unrest that has stemmed from the historical remnants, of the divisions from the south. Developed from the Confederate States of American and the American Civil Rights movement. Maybe it is time to acknowledge: Where is the honor found in symbols and statues that signify harsh histories that represent slave holding states?
Where is the honor? #ShaziaBlog #Quote
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Related Links:
- Speaker Pelosi wants Confederate statues in Capitol removed
- Wikipedia | Christopher Columbus
- Wikipedia | Confederate States of America
- The New York Times | Protests Continue Daily in the Louisville. Here’s a look as 45 days of marches.
- BLOG POST | A Q AND A!
- BLOG POST | THE USMCA!
- Fox Sports | NASCAR announces it will remove Confederate flag from ‘all NASCAR events and properties’
These thoughts were originally hand-written on July 16th, 2020!
MY THOUGHTS TO SHARE WITH LOVE & KINDNESS!🌹
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 
