John H. Wadsworth III
John H. Wadsworth III
Monument Destroyed
Monument Destroyed
Monument Destroyed
Sunday 19th July 2020
John H. Wadsworth III explores the importance of preserving monuments for historical understanding and the dangers of erasing them.
6 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Compassionate
Engaging
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John H. Wadsworth III
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Religion & Spirituality
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
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Get the buttons here!Why Monuments Matter: John H. Wadsworth III's Perspective on Historical Preservation
To destroy these monuments is to destroy history. Whether you like the history or not, it's history. You cannot do away with what has happened.
Ever wondered why some people get so worked up about monuments? In this episode, John H. Wadsworth III dives into the heated debate over monument destruction and why it matters more than you might think. John passionately argues that monuments aren't just stone and metal; they're symbols of our collective past. They tell stories of where we've been and how far we've come. But what happens when these markers are torn down?
John believes that erasing these pieces of history is not only ignorant but also harmful to our understanding of the past. He shares a compelling example: the recent destruction of John McDonough's monument in Lafayette Square, New Orleans. McDonough, who lived in the 18th century, was a complex figure—both a slave owner and a philanthropist. John explains that while McDonough's slave-owning past is undeniable, his contributions to the city were significant.
He provided education and skills to his slaves, ensuring they could prosper once freed. When he died, he left funds for schools and even donated his mansions to his former slaves. By destroying his monument, John argues, we lose sight of this multifaceted history and do a disservice to McDonough's legacy. John doesn't hold back on his views about the lawlessness and ignorance that drive such acts of destruction.
He believes that understanding our history, warts and all, is crucial for not repeating past mistakes. If you're interested in the ongoing debate about historical monuments and what they represent, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective that's sure to make you think twice the next time you walk past one.