we have been reading.... Why are statues coming down around the world. It focuses on racisim and is based on George Floyd.
______________________________________________________
Why are statues coming
down around the
world?
June 14, 2020 Lilli Scott - Feature Writer
A statue commemorating Captain John Hamilton was pulled down in Hamilton by the
City Council on Friday. This was because the local iwi and community believed the
statue was culturally offensive. Hamilton was a British leader in the New Zealand land
wars and died in the battle of Gate Pa in 1864. This battle also resulted in the death
of 80 Maori. John Hamilton apparently never set foot in the city which was named
after him.
statue was culturally offensive. Hamilton was a British leader in the New Zealand land
wars and died in the battle of Gate Pa in 1864. This battle also resulted in the death
of 80 Maori. John Hamilton apparently never set foot in the city which was named
after him.
This removal of the statue was inspired by the protests for the ‘Black Lives Matter’
(BLM) movement after the death of George Floyd in America. Floyd was killed by
police officers when he was arrested for suspicion of committing a minor crime.
The tragedy was caught on video and has sparked a worldwide conversation about
racism and oppression.
(BLM) movement after the death of George Floyd in America. Floyd was killed by
police officers when he was arrested for suspicion of committing a minor crime.
The tragedy was caught on video and has sparked a worldwide conversation about
racism and oppression.
Although these are very complex issues, there is never “another side” to racism. Judging or
treating someone differently by the colour of their skin is wrong. Lilli Scott 2020
treating someone differently by the colour of their skin is wrong. Lilli Scott 2020
Although these are very complex issues, there is never “another side” to racism.
Judging or treating someone differently by the colour of their skin is wrong.
Commemorating historical figures who were racist or culturally offensive may not be
appropriate. The process of reconsidering this, like what happened to the statue in
Hamilton, is also happening around the world.
Judging or treating someone differently by the colour of their skin is wrong.
Commemorating historical figures who were racist or culturally offensive may not be
appropriate. The process of reconsidering this, like what happened to the statue in
Hamilton, is also happening around the world.
Last week, statutes of a slave traders Edward Colston and Robert Milligan were
pulled down in the UK by protesters of the BLM movement. Here in New Zealand,
other towns have begun to question the place of some of their colonial statues.
Many of our streets and places have been named after culturally insensitive figures
and too few places inspired by Maori history.
pulled down in the UK by protesters of the BLM movement. Here in New Zealand,
other towns have begun to question the place of some of their colonial statues.
Many of our streets and places have been named after culturally insensitive figures
and too few places inspired by Maori history.
The BLM protests are continuing and more people are discussing what can be done
to make things better for minorities. The removal in the statue of John Hamilton is
hugely significant. It has sparked a larger debate about if anything should be done
about the colonial names and influence in our country.
to make things better for minorities. The removal in the statue of John Hamilton is
hugely significant. It has sparked a larger debate about if anything should be done
about the colonial names and influence in our country.
Have you been following the protests and removal of statutes in the media?
Let us know what you think
RECALL QUESTIONS
1. Who is the main person or group of people in this news article - John Hamilton,
Edward Colston and Robert Milligan, BLM
Edward Colston and Robert Milligan, BLM
2. What was the key event from the news article? - The statue of John Hamilton was
pulled down in Hamilton because the local community believed that it was culturally
offensive because of how he was against maori and because he didn't get his land.
The statue of the slave traders Colston and Robert Milligan was pulled down in the
UK during the BLM protest.
pulled down in Hamilton because the local community believed that it was culturally
offensive because of how he was against maori and because he didn't get his land.
The statue of the slave traders Colston and Robert Milligan was pulled down in the
UK during the BLM protest.
3. Where did this event take place? - Hamilton, UK
4. When did this event take place? - On Friday John Hamilton's statue was pulled
down and in the UK last week Edward Colston and Robert Milligans statue was
pulled down also.
down and in the UK last week Edward Colston and Robert Milligans statue was
pulled down also.
THINKING QUESTIONS
1. Find a quote from the main person in this newsarticle?
2. In your own words describe what happened in this news article.
Stunning news, John Hamilton’s statue in the city named after him has been pulled
down on Friday. The statue towards the local community believed that it was
culturally offensive. John Hamilton was a British Leader in New Zealand land wars
and died during the war in Gate Pa in 1864. The total deaths of maori was 80.
down on Friday. The statue towards the local community believed that it was
culturally offensive. John Hamilton was a British Leader in New Zealand land wars
and died during the war in Gate Pa in 1864. The total deaths of maori was 80.
3. Find out where this event took place and include some information about this
place.
place.
Hamilton - Hamilton was a city that was named after a man named John
Hamilton.
Hamilton.
4. Tell us when this event happened and explain what might happen in the
future.
future.
This event happened on Friday. In the future they might bring this event up.
5. Explain in your own words why this event took place.
This event took place because this relates to racism. John Hamilton was white and
killed 80 maori people, Maoris think that he was racist.
killed 80 maori people, Maoris think that he was racist.
