Calistemon
Sparklefizz
I walked past the Colston statue many times when I was working in that part of Bristol and I never even glanced at it.
I am not a Bristolian so maybe that's the reason why..... or maybe I was just busy with my own thoughts and my own life.Oh, Sparklefizz I'm so glad you posted that! I didn't dare (I would be accused of lack of awareness!).
I have visited Bristol so many times and never even glanced at it either.
We know that Bristol's wealth came from slavery as did that of other cities. We know now (and I knew as a child) that slavery is wrong. I wish all the protests and energy would be put to better use trying to abolish present-day slavery.
Incidentally, just across the river from Bristol the son of a slave became High Sheriff.
If I glance at a statue it is usually because there is a pigeon or two sitting on its head going about its business ?
(Yes, I know it's a dove, not a pigeon)
I agree with you Calistemon .... there is enough present-day slavery to devote energy to eradicating.
Does anyone remember Marvin Humes on Who Do You Think You Are, tracing his ancestry back in Jamaica? He discovered that one of his ancestors, a freed slave, then immediately started keeping slaves himself and he was shocked. Enslaving was ... and is... not only committed by white people.
In the past, wealthy people set up hospitals, schools and libraries. Now they are self-indulgent and go on journeys into space instead. (Yes, Elon Musk, I mean you.)
