Why do they want to take down the Teddy Roosevelt statue?

On Sunday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in a statement that the museum had decided to remove this statue of Roosevelt because “it explicitly depicts black and indigenous people as subjugated and racially inferior”.

What is the purpose of a statue?

Statues convey and perpetuate honor. Consequently, no matter how important their historical role, villains simply do not merit statues, nor do they merit having their names associated with lakes or streets or schools or military bases.

When was the Teddy Roosevelt statue built?

1939
Theodore Roosevelt Statue/Opened

Who made the Teddy Roosevelt statue?

James Earle Fraser
Theodore Roosevelt Statue/Artists

What was Teddy Roosevelt known for?

He remains the youngest person to become President of the United States. Roosevelt was a leader of the progressive movement and championed his “Square Deal” domestic policies, promising the average citizen fairness, breaking of trusts, regulation of railroads, and pure food and drugs.

What were Teddy Roosevelt’s accomplishments?

He vigorously promoted the conservation movement, emphasizing efficient use of natural resources. He dramatically expanded the system of national parks and national forests. After 1906, he moved to the left, attacking big business, proposing a welfare state, and supporting labor unions.

What is the purpose of historical statues?

Most statues were erected to remind us of a significant event and to honour the contribution of a particular person to society.

What does Roosevelt statue represent?

The statue was meant to celebrate Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) as a devoted naturalist and author of works on natural history. Roosevelt’s father was one of the Museum’s founders, and the Museum is proud of its historic association with the Roosevelt family.

What happened to the Teddy Roosevelt statue?

On June 21, 2021, the New York City Public Design Commission voted unanimously to remove the statue from in front of the museum and relocate it to an institution devoted to Roosevelt’s life and legacy.

Why did the city remove Theodore Roosevelt’s statue?

It was then seconded by the city, which had the final say. “The American Museum of Natural History has asked to remove the Theodore Roosevelt statue because it explicitly depicts Black and Indigenous people as subjugated and racially inferior,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. “The City supports the Museum’s request.

Why are there two men of color in the statue?

The statue’s origins make it clear that the two men of color are not representative of real people at all. Rather, they’re designed to communicate something about Roosevelt and America’s history at large.

What is the 26th President statue in New York City?

Following the museum’s request to remove the statue, which features the nation’s 26th President on a horse with a Native American man standing on one side and an African man standing on the other, the mayor’s office announced the approval.

Is Theodore Roosevelt’s equestrian statue still contested?

Known as Equestrian Statue of Theodore Roosevelt, the bronze sculpture in question has been “ contested by activists for almost 50 years, ” say the curators.