Stroud council to recommend Blackboy clock is removed

9 comments
  1. > The recommendation follows an eight-week consultation by the council asking for people’s views on the figure.
    >
    > More than 1,600 people responded, with 77% saying it should be taken down.
    >
    > Stroud MP, Siobhan Baillie, said she “opposes removal of history and statues” and “to do so serves no purpose other than to allow some people to decide or be selective with history or decide what is most comfortable and cause no offence”.

    MP vs the people.

  2. Hold on…

    FTA:

    *It could not verify the boy was a depiction of a slave but it stated: “Whatever the inspiration or its origins, it has to be remembered that, without a doubt, the boy’s image came directly or indirectly through the influence of slavery and colonialism”*

    So this seems to be a genuinely unique clock, Historic England are saying that moving it could damage it (And the nature of the conservation area) and there doesn’t seem to be a link to slavery?

  3. Is it just me who feels that it would be far better to amend the plaque that is already there to give some context and acknowledge the racism involved. Racism is part of our history whether we like it or not. Something about covering up all the wrongs of the past doesn’t sit well with me. If we are unaware of them how can we learn from them? Why not use the clock as an opportunity to educate people?

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