And just for the record, I do not condone these crowds -- mobs, really -- that have been toppling statues. Yes, it is preferable to mobs smashing windows and looting, but toppling statutes ought not to be confused for peaceful protests. Toppling statues is still mob action, and a low-level form of riot.
And yes, some of these statues deserve to be taken down. But taking down statues should be done through official action, following public debate. Condoning toppling statues is capitulating to mob rule, and mob rule is never good.
And, incidentally, as our moral guardians are increasingly treating any criticism of the protesters as out of bounds, I am beginning to fear the we are succumbing to a sort of intellectual mob rule as well.
PS: And it should go without saying, but none of this is to deny that police brutality and institutionalized racism are serious issues that should be addressed. I would just prefer a more rational and deliberative pace. Haste is apt to lead to ill-considered actions. A backlash is inevitable and must be endured, but ill-considered actions will give the backlash legitimate grievances that I would rather it not have.
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