Rhodes Must Not Fall?

Public monuments, such as statues of historical figures like Lord Nelson and Cecil Rhodes, often serve as contested symbols of colonial power. This study argues that their continued presence in public spaces—despite demands for removal or remediation—represents a form of 'historical erasure,' silencing the original ideological intent behind these objects and their ongoing contestation. The research examines how such monuments were erected during periods of imperial dominance to reinforce pro-colonial narratives, yet their preservation today risks uncritically legitimizing those legacies. By analyzing cases in Barbados (Bridgetown) and England (Oxford), the study challenges the notion that age alone grants historical significance, instead advocating for a renegotiation of which pasts are prioritized in public memory. The approach combines critical analysis of monument placement, ideological motivations, and contemporary debates on heritage preservation.

Drayton, R. (2019). Rhodes Must Not Fall? Third Text, 33(4-5), 651–666. https://doi.org/10.1080/09528822.2019.1653073