History abridged

History is alive in all its disturbing complexity, as San Francisco is finding out. One monument to the past — an offensive depiction of an Indian at the feet of Spanish colonizers — is heading toward a major remake. By comparison, a new statue to remember women sexually exploited by Japanese soldiers deserves the perch it’s taking.

Deciding on what rates a public setting is tricky. Location, quality and size are one thing, but message and memory are more important. By those criteria, the Pioneer Monument in Civic Center fails. A subjugated Indian lies on the ground with a Spanish priest gesturing help and a vaquero towering above them.

It’s not political fashion to say that reading of history is hurtful and undeserving. Spanish settlers who did so much to make this state also victimized its original inhabitants. The solution could be removing the “Early Days” statue from its larger setting and

putting up a plaque explaining why. That solution could be a direct and instructive response to the half-told story suggested by the sculpture.

If the Civic Center monument masks history, a newly unveiled statue in Chinatown does just the opposite. The bronze depiction of four women serves up harsh memories of thousands of women forced into sexual servitude for Japanese soldiers in World War II.

Several of these “comfort women” were on hand at the dedication recently in Portsmouth Square.

The memorial is angering Japanese diplomats who have apologized in various ways over the years. But the inhuman actions are undeniable and shouldn’t be forgotten, especially in the heart of the city’s Asian community. The statue is a surprise for viewers used to famous leaders and national turning points. But the public should welcome an unblinkered view of the past.