The Statue of Pluralism: Tolerance and Understanding

BRIGHTEVERDAY The Statue of Pluralism: Tolerance and Understanding

Undoubtedly a sad day indeed when we must protect our History from marauding activists! Should we deny who we are as a people, and allow our lives, and our heritage, caustically besmirched and destroyed by wreckers? Where do they appear from; are they travelling protesters, rented for a week to wreak havoc, only to move onto their next destructive commission? The Activists hit list may make interesting reading indeed. Could it be the stone by stone removal of the Pyramids next?

Are we not evolved through centuries and generations, products of our parentage, experiences, and controls, our inherent subjectivity, imbued with opinions and prejudices? It is something we all share! Perhaps a lesson in Social History with erudite philosophical scrutiny, may elevate consciousness, profound understanding, and an urbane meaning in history, giving it new purpose and reverence, thus questioning, and exposing mob nihilism, and intimidation. There are, after all traditionalists, scholars, indeed, a substantial majority of the population, who value their identity, culture faith, and artefacts, all endorsing and venerating, their existence! We cannot change history, but we can change how we feel towards it; indeed, what we learn from it, and evolve as a more caring, and loving society, one of equality, and expansive, free thinking

Vandalism, and the desecration and removal of statues, is a public affront, and demands judicial interventions and clarity, on the status and protection of such statues. Often coerced by a liberal elite, many in public office, activists look to subvert and homogenise society, selectively denying history, and our cultural past. Are statues not sculpture? Are all buildings, monuments, public parks, restored historic buildings and institutions, depicting, and defining, past generations, funded partly by our Georgian and Victorian forefathers, under threat? Civic pride, and urbanity, matters, history matters, indeed, in the face of profligate hypocrisy, ALL lives matter.

Is this not a time for community, appreciating what connects us in the modern world, rather than divide us. That does include respect and tolerance, an appreciation of the here and now, and working together for the good of all, in harmony and with dignity. Should we despair that there are those in the ether, who seek to destroy and create fear, through violence and intimidation, or shall we fight for our true values of citizenship, community, inclusivity, and equality? Social unrest is an ugly blight, more so, when fuelled by the politically vacuous; subversives, more often, hiding under a banner of injustice! Moral rectitude should not be compromised, or undervalued; indeed, it underpins the very values of society. Good people are not easy targets, and those who seek to diminish or obviate democracy, should be heedful.

Without deep resolve and profound, judicious intervention, social unrest can deteriorate rapidly. It is therefore imperative, sincere and forthright citizens let their opinions be known, rather than accept the rantings and obscene actions of an irreverent, adversarial mob; one who morphs with monotonous regularity, courts unrest, division, sating their dystopian dreams and illustrating their ignorance and arrogance.

Too often, the will of the people, is tested and tormented by those with a badge, an emblem, with non-conformist, often obscure, socio-political demands. Such interventions are not publicly discussed, or democratically evaluated, rather, they infiltrate, wringing established tenets, creating deliberate infractions, pushing boundaries for assimilation and acceptance, as a “new normal.” They look to vilify accepted social codes and views, bullying and challenging, often assiduously, forcing their incursions and distortions, for absorption, into the common view and psyche. Such deliberate perversions are insidious and corrupt and have no base in an altruistic, modern democracy.

One could be forgiven if there was a uneasy feeling we are being sorely tested and punished, at a time when unity, humility, compassion, and understanding are the currency of decency and public spiritedness, in the presence of the Coronavirus. We are a nation of families, diverse social groups, shopkeepers, diligent, and honest workers, indomitable and proud citizens; we are a people of faith and justice, with an intrinsic right to hope and peace, and an environment in which to feel safe, contented, and fulfilled, all of which is the embodiment of democracy.

Should we deny who we are, or the lives of our predecessors, and should we tolerate acts of mob vandalism; those acts that screen a disturbing aspect of the character and psyche of the perpetrators? Disillusioned, dysfunctional, and distanced from the social fabric of the country, they cut an angry, ugly sight, in motion! Perhaps they should study the beautifully crafted, and portrayed character types of the Harry Potter films, and pick out a personality with whom they most closely identify!

There are wonderful public spaces throughout the land, giving breathing space, a respite from the mundane, or just beautiful green, or public civic space, for all to enjoy freely. They offer solace, sublimity, and inspiration, as indeed sculpture within such breathing, alive, spaces, does. Comforting and familiar, they flavour our identity and sense of propriety, and place. They give beauty and proportion; a visual enticement, with diversity and sound, and allow, indeed promote, freedom of expression and enlightenment!

Why, therefore, would we deny historical fact, and our predominantly rich and varied life tapestry, the fabric of our heritage, and culture? We have, as a nation, welcomed diversity and change; we have evolved richly and profoundly, indeed it is our tolerance, compassion, and philanthropy, which elevates us as a progressive, egalitarian, society. Reciprocity is a key element of such diversity and plurality; it thus deserves circumspect consideration and respect.