Public opinion is a chameleon
Public opinion is a chameleon. Here on the Island, we’ve gone through months of trying to “delete” a statue that was placed in the city core, to give tourists a venue for selfies. No matter that the work of art was mundane and entirely wrong, certain of the city leaders wanted it to stay, because… we still don’t have an answer to that.
However, the discovery of a mass grave site in BC, involving First Nations children, has awoken the sensitivities of those in power. After a special council meeting, yesterday, the decision has been made to remove the statue and place it in storage (a true example of “out of sight, out of mind” mental gymnastics).
I believe this is a decision that makes sense, even if the thinking was reactionary. It’s funny how those same decision makers couldn’t get to this point after analysis… many months ago. I mean, the idea was explained, in short sentences that even an elected representative could understand. Well, now they have their puff piece in the press, and elsewhere folks will be impressed with the maturity of the act.
We know the truth.
I did see a meme that said volumes. It asked, simply: “Did you have a mass grave site in your school yard?”
We’ll learn more about this whole tragedy in the months to come. Might even get one of those fancy Parliamentary Commissions that eat up months of time in front of a chosen audience. It will change little, but everyone will feel better. And the opportunity to take a selfie in the city will revert to Anne. Or Annekenstein.
