TO THE EDITOR:
The additions to Silent Sam were an improvement on an out-of-date piece of Confederate throwback memorabilia. The artful decorations served the role of a political piece very well, drawing attention to a problem and then fostering discussion between people of different viewpoints. Pictures of the latest piece by an anonymous artist reminded everyone of the fact that the Confederate flag is not the only racist knickknack to be held onto by a just as racist modern-day society.
Personally I think the statue looks a lot better now that it has been properly contextualized, but I’m sure the artist’s work will be removed soon since the University insists upon upholding its image, rather than engaging in actions that would better the lives of not only its students but its workers.
Removing the art, however, will not stop many of you from putting the value of a racist statue above that of black lives on this campus and in this nation.
June Beshea
Senior
Chemistry and biology
