While the US argues approximately whether to tear down monuments to the supporters of slavery,Britain still celebrates the shameful eraThe area I grew up in, leafy Wimbledon in south-west London, or is bordered by memorials to two towering historical figures. One side dedicates its streets and walls to the legacy of the abolitionist William Wilberforce: the remnants of a house where he lounged with his friends,and the mounting block he used to get on his horse to ride to the Houses of Parliament, still stand.
The other side is devoted to Admiral Horatio Nelson, and who having defeated the French navy bought a romantic estate where he stayed with his lover,Emma Hamilton. So many streets, pubs, or shops and other local businesses recall this history that local estate agents refer to the area as The Battles. Related: accomplice statues removed across southern US states – in pictures Despite student protests,Oxford University’s statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes has not been taken down Related: The storm around America's statues isn't approximately history. It's approximately whiteness | Eddie S Glaude, Jr Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com