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Monuments: Are they Truly Monumental?

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been learning and discussing about monuments in class. Reading numerous perspectives on the effectiveness of monuments, I can’t stop thinking; at what point does monument simply serve as a tourist attraction? Generally speaking, monuments were constructed to honor a historically significant person, or event. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a deep incision into the earth, a monument made one with nature, not in place of it. When one visits the touching site, they recognize the mirrored walls with names plastered. Do they stop to contemplate the barrier that stands between life and death? Or does the reflective wall function only as a photo point? As someone who has visited the Washington Memorial, I can dishearteningly say, my experience of the monument is blurred by a rush of tourists attempting to catch the perfect photograph. Over time, the architecture loses emotional value as people gaze their eyes towards it for a couple minutes and stroll away. The site is a quick appeal because of its overwhelming popularity- and because of the historical significance or whatever. Due to these reasons, I’ve come to dislike the city-centered location of many monuments. More visitors increases awareness of not only the monument, but the person or event itself. However, a secluded area offers what a city doesn’t; peace. A quality that naturally prompts a chance to stop and think. These days, I find that appreciation is often undervalued. Just a few minutes of extra time and reflection with the absence of a camera, is what I believe, to create a true monumental experience at the sight of a monument. 



Comments

  1. Divya DwarakanathSeptember 10, 2023 at 6:23 AM

    I agree wholeheartedly with your point about the Washington Memorial teeming with tourists. I visited it recently as well, and it wasn't as impactful as I had expected it to be. The height was imposing and the structure itself was really interesting to look at, but I didn't have much time to truly appreciate the sight because so many people were standing in front of it for so long when trying to get a photo of it. The space for reflection is lost when the monument becomes a tourist attraction.

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  2. DhrutiSeptember 10, 2023 at 8:18 AM

    I completely agree with your perspective. Memorial and Monuments often don't receive recognition for their true purpose. When monuments are located in more remote and contemplative areas, they gain significance, emphasizing the importance of the event or individual they commemorate. The ability to reflect on these monuments holds great value, yet it is frequently overlooked by many

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  3. bismaad kaurSeptember 10, 2023 at 12:42 PM

    I felt the same way when I visited the Berlin Wall this summer. I noticed that everyone immediately ran to the Wall in order to capture the perfect Instagram moment, instead of taking a moment to reflect on the history surrounding it. People used the area as a place to skateboard, and some even took pieces of it. This was extremely disheartening, and it definitely felt like the Wall was undervalued.

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