Smashing Idols
In recent years, the statues of prominent but notorious historical figures are being torn down and demolished. Statues of Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, Albert Pike, and many others have all come tumbling down at the hands of angry, conscious mobs. But just how conscious are these mobs... or any mob for that matter? An angry mob is a like a stampeding herd; a mindless mass responding to some sort of stimuli. These mobs aren’t nearly as conscious as they believe themselves to be. Smashing idols has been particularly fashionable in America with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. The involvement and active participation of BLM is a bright red flag for anyone who understands the true motives of the movement. I’ll address those motives momentarily.
Though fueled by hysteria, there’s still a certain logic for smashing idols. Idols are generally considered to be heroic, powerful figures. What other kind of figure would be worthy of a pedestal? In addition, they embody the beliefs and politics of the times in which they were first erected. So statues of Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Pike deify nefarious individuals and condone the era that produced them. These statues only serve to celebrate hatred, oppression, and violence. This is the mob’s reasoning.
Smashing idols is problematic for several reasons, the main problem being a knee jerk, hysterical, reactionary response as opposed to critical thinking. There’s an important and logical point that’s been lost on the mob. Toppling a statue doesn’t change the history that produced it. It doesn’t raise anyone’s consciousness either. In fact, it only serves to negate the possibility of a raised consciousness. Because smashing these infamous idols removes the opportunity for reflection and discussion. Reflection is an integral part of critical thinking. And discussion should always be actively encouraged. Smashing idols facilitates and perpetuates the historical amnesia that runs rampant in modern society.
Smashing monuments in an attempt to destroy the past isn’t particularly conscious. It’s unconscious. There’s a very good and logical reason why “monuments” like Auschwitz, Dachau and Bergen-Belsen haven’t been paved to make room for parking lots. Such monuments serve a crucial purpose. They exist to remind us of a history we must never forget, regardless of how painful and evil that history may be. They prevent historical amnesia. The modern world needs to be reminded of Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Pike. Their deeds should not be forgotten, nor the eras in which they lived. There are holocaust museums all over the world for the sole purpose of encouraging and maintaining discussion.
It’s easy to understand why smashing idols has become more prevalent with the rise of the BLM movement. BLM is a black trojan horse with an acknowledged Marxist agenda. Destroying monuments and smashing idols is an integral part of the Marxist goal of dismantling a capitalist society. In addition, it serves to further divide society because not everyone wants to see these monuments destroyed.There’s a clear and present method to the madness. There’s an unseen hand guiding the mob.
I can think of one solution. Rather than smashing the idols, why not put them in a designated spot, like a statue garden or monument cemetery? That’s a less destructive, more instructive solution to the issue. Destroying history is never a logical idea. History’s job is to teach us about the past. Smashing idols only destroys the opportunity to learn.