University of Rhode Island to remove WW2 murals due to lack of diversity

[Revoltingest]

This generation doesn't want history. They think its not important.

I guess they want to make the same mistakes, but have
them feel all new & shiny....with that new mistake smell.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I guess they want to make the same mistakes, but have
them feel all new & shiny....with that new mistake smell.

Hey, they make their own bed. They are going to have to lay in it.

 

[Revoltingest]

Hey, they make their own bed. They are going to have to lay in it.

Alas, exterminating their bedbugs costs other taxpayers.

 

[Stevicus]

All things pass away. I don't see this mural as being of exceptional cultural or historical significance. So it seems to me that 70 years was a good run, and maybe it's time for something new. I would have said 20 years was a good run. There's nothing wrong with updating our displays of respect, unity, achievement, etc.

Well, it's not as if WW2 was some minor event. It's not even clear if a majority of people wanted it to be removed anyway. The university official simply said "I have received complaints." How many complaints? They didn't share that information. Why not at least put it to a vote, to see if the majority actually wants it to be removed? I've never seen or heard of this mural before, so it's no skin off me, but what struck me is how arbitrary and cavalier the decision was to remove it.

I understand the need to promote diversity, to end injustice, racism, bigotry, and to be a more egalitarian and inclusive society. This is especially true on college campuses. So I get what they're trying to do. I understand and support those laudable goals. But some things that are done in the name of pursuing those goals seem more symbolic than substantial, and could possibly be counterproductive.

 

[PureX]

Well, it's not as if WW2 was some minor event. It's not even clear if a majority of people wanted it to be removed anyway. The university official simply said "I have received complaints." How many complaints? They didn't share that information. Why not at least put it to a vote, to see if the majority actually wants it to be removed? I've never seen or heard of this mural before, so it's no skin off me, but what struck me is how arbitrary and cavalier the decision was to remove it.

I understand the need to promote diversity, to end injustice, racism, bigotry, and to be a more egalitarian and inclusive society. This is especially true on college campuses. So I get what they're trying to do. I understand and support those laudable goals. But some things that are done in the name of pursuing those goals seem more symbolic than substantial, and could possibly be counterproductive.

I don't see it being 'counterproductive' in this instance, at all. I see it as being overdue, if anything. Which is why, I think, when it was brought to the attention of the administrators, they chose to act. It wasn't about the "complaints", particularly. I think it was simply overdue for a change.

Also, this was not a public decision that would require the public's consensus.