Americans, it is time to have a “come to Jesus” discussion about American history. It is these types of talks that most will avoid but it must be had for the sanity of the country. Most Americans learned a varnished and palatable version of history. The history of America taught in American schools glosses over slavery as if it were a blip on the road to America’s greatness.
The fact is that America was built by slaves.
The fact is that America’s “exceptionalism” was built on the on racism.
A racism that devalues human beings because of the color of their skins.
The American Civil War did not resolve the question of slavery. The American Civil War only made it clear that the federal government is the only one that can decide when the union can be broken up.
The question of slavery was never resolved.
It was just transitioned into a new reality where slavery was replaced with discrimination and the devaluing humans because of the color of their skin.
When anyone argues that Confederate symbols are important historical artifacts for the country, they are arguing that slavery is OK as well. It’s like Nazi devotees arguing that a statue of Hitler celebrates the prowess of the Nazi regime in making Nazi Germany a global power.
Most Americans are unlikely to see, much less admire a statue of Hitler. That being the case, why would it OK for an American to celebrate a Confederate statue?
Understanding this truth makes it clear that the Confederacy has no place in America, except for the scholarly and historical books studying American history.
The discussion about slavery should always start with its evilness and end with the admonition that never again will it be acceptable to treat human beings separately because of the color of their skins.
