Public displays of history or monuments are powerful. Anything with power can too be a controversial issue. Monuments are no exception. This is the focus and argument of the week nine reading. Levinson and Glassberg both seek to present this argument in their writings.
Levinson discusses the controversy behind various monuments. These monuments provoke thought, which more than likely will lead to open discussion. He discusses various social and legal arguments concerning the monument, construction (including artist), and possible destruction of side monument. Reasons for possible deconstruction may include public uproar concerning accuracy, representation of figures and/or events on display, and/or use of public space. Levinson looks at the many factors that may affect public displays of history in the form of monuments.
Continuing with the topic of controversy around monuments and public space is reading 2. Glassberg focuses on war heroes of a small town in Massachusetts. Prior to being erected, an obelisk was questioned by the community. After an open discussion about the use of the public space, the community decided to reserve the space for a monument (viewed as a beautification project). This did not go without controversy. Great War veterans were upset, along with some community members. The veterans created and celebrated their own memory. This is not uncommon for a certain group to feel left out or underrepresented in public memorials. Memorials of figures and events in a monument form can and possibly will always be a controversy because of the diverse points of view.
Overall, the readings discuss the power behind monuments. Both Levinson and Glassberg utilize various examples of monuments that demonstrate power. The power provokes controversy in different ways, including thought provoking open discussion and even deconstruction. Monuments, whether agreed upon or not, relates the past to the present.
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