I think that part of the problems are down to inaction by those who can do something about a problem. They bury their heads instead of tackling the problem.
There are many examples over the last few years of this failing to act.
Jimmy Saville. Nobody seemed to want to deal with his behaviour despite many people complaining. Those “in power” were afraid to rock the boat or act properly. Witnesses to his behaviour who brought it to light were ignored and a cover up /hush up took place.
Bullying. Far too often it is glossed over without dealing with the bullies.
Racism. Racists are allowed to carry on with their discrimination and bullying.
Windrush. A shocking way of dealing with those involved from 50+ years ago. Ridiculous decisions to fail to process the people who came here efficiently, destroying records that would verify identity and has now raised it’s head with political decisions on controlling immigration. The Home Office actions in this are classic examples of how history is ignored to facilitate current politics. Adults who came here legally as children are being targeted as illegal.
In my view the Dominic Cummings incident is yet another closing of ranks and manipulation of events as an alternative to sacking him. Enough said on that topic.
As for the targeting of statues, many, if not most, of those commemorated had mixed history as both benefactors and tyrants. Removing these people from history is a massive dis-service to their victims. Slavers amassed dirty money and some used this to benefit their communities, as in the Bristol situation. Should the benefactors be vilified for accepting that money?
Surely there would be greater benefit in progressing society by keeping them in public view BUT pointing out the background fully. Deleting history is not a good move. Using it intelligently to move forward is a much better way.
A bit of Welsh history next.
Who knows about the Welsh Not?
It was an attempt in the 18,19,early 20th centuries to kill off the Welsh language. In school the first child heard speaking Welsh was made to wear a necklace with WN, Welsh Not on it. It was passed on to the next child heard. At the end of the day the last child wearing it received corporal punishment. This is one reason why Welsh has been actively preserved. In some cases job applicants are required to be Welsh speakers. Is that racist, discriminatory? There are Welsh medium, mixed medium and English medium schools these days but that causes problems with families who do not wish to have children taught in Welsh and those who don’t want the English only route. Nobody is forced down either route and options are available for both. You wouldn’t believe the animosity around it. How will this present day scenario be looked on in the future? Oppression by Welsh activists? Destruction of Welsh language and culture by opponents? Who will decide which ones were the good and which ones were the bad?
