# Build a "National Slave Memorial" on the Washington Mall? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 29, 2003, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-a-national-slave-memorial-on-the-washington-mall/178250 "2003-05-29T13:25:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![litost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c4cdca/32.png) [@litost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/litost)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-a-national-slave-memorial-on-the-washington-mall/178250/101 "2003-05-30T22:50:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by december \* > A memorial merely reminds us that something happened. E.g., the dramatic Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall doesn’t show pictures of the war. It doesn’t give the political background. It doesn’t explain the pro’s and con’s of the war, nor does it address the anti-war movement. It doesn’t educate us on how the Vietnamese people lived or what the impact of the war was on them. It doesn’t address how the Communist government works. It doesn’t address nature of the weapons or the types of battles that were fought. It doesn’t mention Lt. Calley and various atrocities. (One reason for its popularity is that it sidesteps these controversial matters IMHO.) So, are you against the very concept of a memorial? ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-a-national-slave-memorial-on-the-washington-mall/178250/102 "2003-05-31T00:21:04Z")
> [@](#): > > A museum has information, exhibits, pictures, audio-visuals, and physical exhibits. All of which would serve the same purpose as a memorial: to encourage remembering. But instead of looking at a quiet statue or plaque, people would be brandished over the head with a multimedia presentation of horror-filled images, over and over again. A museum would not only remind us of what happened, but it would probably give us nightmares once we got home. And we’re supposed to think you think this is a good thing. Sorry, but I think you’re just blowing smoke up our booties. You’re ashamed of what you’ve written in this thread–as you should be–but don’t try to make things better by saying you want a museum. It’s a lie, **december** , and you know it. > [@](#): > > However, it would be far better than a memorial, because a museum would also educate and inform people. So could a memorial. I have a clear, succinct message that we could enscribe on it which would educate and inform everyone: Slavery. It was a bad thing. But we ended it with war and struggle. This goes out to all who struggled and hoped for freedom, And eventually earned it for themselves and for many. No guilt or backlash is necessary. Pay attention in history class if you want to learn more. The end. They should hire me to put this thing together. ---
**Author:** ![december](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@december](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/december)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-a-national-slave-memorial-on-the-washington-mall/178250/103 "2003-05-31T00:29:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by litost \* > A memorial does not have to justify its existence by how much the world has improved. Why can’t you simply take it as remembering the losses and sacrifices of the dead? Fair point. > [@](#): > > Oh, and nice try bringing in the slave reparations issue. Just to remind you, that is not what the OP is about. Not to you, it isn’t. But, if this memorial is built, it will likely be the chosen backdrop for those who want to promote reparations. I like your message, **monstro**. Maybe they should hire you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-a-national-slave-memorial-on-the-washington-mall/178250.md?page=5)