Why study lynchings of many decades ago now?
With all of the current problems that must be addressed in our state, I was somewhat surprised to read the article describing a proposed bill to create a commission to carry out research, hold public hearings, and make recommendations concerning lynching (“Backers pitch bill that would create statewide commission on Maryland’s lynching history,” Feb. 12)
Lynching was a horrific act, and it is inexcusable that at least 40 people in our state lost their lives in this manner. But those actions occurred between 1854 and 1933. There are no citizens currently engaging in lynching, and it is doubtful that any sane person would accept or promote this disgusting act. Why, then, do we need to highlight this action and spend taxpayer dollars to do so?
There were many other actions that occurred a century ago that no longer are accepted that are useful to remember (for example, child labor, inability of women to vote and the display of disabled people at freak shows). We recognized the wrongs and corrected them. While it is important for these issues to have a place in history lessons, what purpose does it serve to now create commissions and hold public meetings to highlight them?
Revisiting past prejudicial acts that are no longer accepted risks straining, not helping, race relations. New anger can be aroused among black individuals by highlighting lynchings that occurred generations ago. Resentment can be stirred among white individuals who hold no racist views yet are being made to feel that they somehow are responsible for what a very small number of prejudiced Marylanders did a century ago. Worse still, making an issue of this vile act of the past could stimulate current sick or prejudiced minds to replicate it.
Responsible citizens already believe that lynching is abhorrent. They do not need to have taxpayer-funded studies done or public meetings held to inform them of this. If individuals want to study this issue and find routes to assure it has a place in history, let it be done via private means. Our tax dollars would be better spent studying and holding hearings on current problems that need improvement.
Charlotte Eliopoulos, Glen Arm