Jefferson Davis Statue In The Historical Context Of Texas History

The controversy surrounding Jefferson Davis’s statue can be seen in the historical context of Texas history. In the lecture, it is a point to note that slavery was “generally accepted by the majority of white citizens in Southern society” so ethics was a matter of “‘public opinion’’ (Gordon, Slide 27). Slavery and the glorification of people who supported slavery, such as Confederate leaders, contributes to the historical narrative Texans have about this decision about the Jefferson Davis statue. Slavery is representative of the unethical use of “coercive power on individuals” that “inflicts pain, suffering, and death” (Gordon, Slide 27). Therefore, embodiments of pro-slavery movements like statues and monuments should be eradicated by institutions

In tune, governments should value their citizens and promote equality to ensure that there is no mistreatment or oppression of a group of individuals. Secondly, honesty is important; it allows for open communication and avoids deceitfulness and lack of information. As a governing body, honesty is important to understand an overall perspective of history from viewpoints other than the historically accepted narrative for a more comprehensive account of history and the oppression and lack of voice of many minority groups. As UT Austin decided to reallocate its Jefferson Davis statue to educate, not commemorate, I believe that UT Austin’s decision was made as one to be seen as “honest”. UT Austin's decision does not erase its promotion of Confederate statues on campus, but instead uses it as an educational moment. Lastly, respect is important in valuing others as well as considering different viewpoints other than my own. A government should respect all of its citizens and value their rights and

Jefferson Davis’s statue removal on the UT campus, like many other Confederate states, creates an ethical dilemma surrounding UT and the broader society today. As the University of Texas at Austin removed the statue and then relocated it as a means to learn about the historical context of UT’s involvement in honoring Confederate heroes in history, it questions whether the presence of statues will still fuel and be symbolic of racist ideologies that the university is promoting through relocation. The initial decision for the removal of statues like Jefferson Davis was made to destroy the symbols that stood for the oppression and exclusivity of groups of people. Given these points, my own ethical conclusion is to remove the statues in their entirety from the UT Campus. I have learned and understood what statues of Confederate figures represent in history and are still prevalent in support of the Confederacy and their values today. Removing these statues entirely, based on ethical justifications, would eradicate oppressive narratives that UT Austin still supports by honoring these statues in some