Commentary: How may Singapore remember its colonial figures beyond their controversies?

Inventors who arrived in the 19th&nbsp, era left a deep impression on the land. &nbsp, Tan Tock Seng and Sophia Blackmore, for example, contributed to Singapore’s development in various abilities and their reports continue to resonate with some.

The two characters are remembered for their generosity in public health and education, both. Even though Blackmore had her roots in Australia and Tan worked closely with the English king, their place in our social remembrance has not been weighed down by colonial bag. Both have transcended elections in our traditional accounts.

Despite their famous histories, the conversation about how history may be preserved is now more patriotic, influenced by contemporary global discourse on decolonization.

There is a danger of viewing public monuments through a linear, restrictive lens, in which historical figures are either indians or subjugators.

ACCESSING A BINARY PRISM TO VISIT THE History

Some have called for a critique or removal of statues linked to colonialism, slavery, hatred and other unpleasant misdemeanours. This viewpoint, though apparent and physically appealing, examines the difficulty of the past and our natural biases.

Since the start of Black Lives Matter rallies in 2020, more than 160 statues of Confederate military commanders have been removed from public areas in the US due to the characters ‘ associations with prejudice and enslavement.

The government in Taiwan pledged to take down 760 Chiang Kai-shek effigies in exchange for the crimes committed against political dissidents while in charge of Taiwan.

According to those who support the removal of these items, they have no place in contemporary culture because of what they represent.

Although this motivation is accurate in highlighting our contemporary ideals of cultural tolerance and inclusion, it is important to point out that historical figures are not isolated from the events of their time.