History remains; name can go

It seems common to believe a person’s skin colour means something substantial. I know I can’t help but think prejudiced thoughts from time to time. It feels like an infection. I don’t know the cure, but I think agreeing to rename Fort Amherst is a good start.

First, I believe the memory of my ancestors can handle the demotion. When I pass on, I expect my descendants to remember me accurately. I’m not so fragile as to demand they ignore my failures; neither are my ancestors. Second, to be consistent we may need to re-name a few other places, streets, and monuments. I have no problem with that. As we grow, we are permitted to choose precisely who we honour. No one is entitled to be honoured forever.

Third, there is a difference between re-writing history books and taking someone’s name off a sign. The history books remain. It’s the honour we are removing. Finally, I believe refusing to honour our most obviously-violent white-supremacists ancestors is just an easy token choice anyway.

So much so that, even if it is a bit rude to say, it seems childish to refuse. The real work of reconciliation demands that we remove from our hearts and minds (and not just our signs) the idea that skin-colour means something substantial. That’s challenging work.

It likely requires a large helping of courage, humility, patience, and the time to mourn all that has been lost due to this terrible affliction.

Randy Campbell, Charlottetown