Progressives and ISIS both like to destroy art
Many progressives, I trust not all, are now seeking to alter or destroy the historic relief sculpture on Stone Mountain outside of Atlanta, Georgia. This campaign comes along with numerous other efforts to stamp out the memory of those who fought on the losing side of the Civil War–I’m tempted to call it the War of Northern Aggression, but I’ll restrain myself…This screenshot comes from DailyKos.
When it comes to art, how are those who want to remove Stone Mountain any different from ISIS?
Stone Mountain’s sculpture is the largest bas-relief in the world. The carving depicts three Confederate figures during the Civil War: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis. Three sculptors worked on the carving during its creation, including Gutzon Borglum who created Mount Rushmore many years later.
What is it with many so-called progressives and their desire to stamp out historical artifacts? I’m not sure what the famous feminist Camille Paglia would say about Stone Mountain, but she knows what she thinks of the The Stones (and art) when it comes to political correctness:
We had a screaming fight about [the Stones song] “Under My Thumb.” I said, “Yes, yes, the lyrics are sexist, but this is a great song. This is a work of art.” And these feminists cornered me with my back against the wall, practically spitting in my face, saying, “Nothing that demeans woman can be art.” Now, as a student of art history, how can you have any dialogue with these people? That is the Nazi and Stalinist view of art, where art is subordinate to a pre-fab political agenda. -Via Reason.
I would add that this is also the ISIS view of art and history. Does anyone doubt that the Ancient Egyptians were oppressive? I bet they even had slaves. Why shouldn’t the pyramids come down? ISIS members have already been actively destroying ancient Assyrian sculptures that they don’t like for any number of reasons. How small is your worldview if it can’t abide a historical landmark that has been around since before your parents were born?
