Take It Down Davies: The Campaign to Remove the Cecil John Rhodes Statue from Oriel College, Oxford

Take It Down

by A. D. Davies

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1533 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	199 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Take It Down Davies campaign is a grassroots movement to remove the statue of Cecil John Rhodes from Oriel College, Oxford. The campaign was started by student activists in 2015 and has since gained widespread support from students, staff, and alumni. The campaigners argue that the statue is a symbol of colonialism and racism and that it has no place in a modern university.

Cecil John Rhodes was a British imperialist and businessman who played a leading role in the colonisation of Africa. He was the founder of the British South Africa Company and the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony. Rhodes was a strong advocate of white supremacy and his policies led to the dispossession of many indigenous peoples. He is also known for his role in the Boer War, which was fought between the British and the Afrikaners in South Africa.

The statue of Rhodes was erected in Oriel College in 1902. It is a bronze statue that depicts Rhodes standing in academic dress. The statue is located in the college's quadrangle and it is a popular tourist attraction. However, the statue has also been the subject of much controversy. In 2015, a group of students launched the Take It Down Davies campaign to remove the statue from the college.

The campaigners argue that the statue is a symbol of colonialism and racism and that it has no place in a modern university. They argue that Rhodes was a white supremacist who was responsible for the deaths of many indigenous peoples. They also argue that the statue is a painful reminder of the university's colonial past. The campaigners have called on the college to remove the statue and to apologise for its role in colonialism.

The college has refused to remove the statue. It argues that the statue is a historical monument and that it is important to remember the university's colonial past. The college has also said that it is committed to diversity and inclusion and that it is working to address the legacy of colonialism.

The campaign has been the subject of much debate and controversy. It has been covered by major media outlets around the world and it has led to a number of protests and demonstrations. The campaign has also been criticised by some who argue that it is an attempt to erase history. However, the campaigners argue that they are not trying to erase history but to challenge the university's glorification of colonialism.

The campaign is ongoing and it is unclear whether the college will eventually remove the statue. However, the campaign has been successful in raising awareness of the issue of colonialism and racism in higher education. It has also helped to start a wider conversation about the need for universities to decolonise their curricula and their institutions.

Take It Down

by A. D. Davies

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1533 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	199 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE