In a thought-provoking discussion about how societies remember and commemorate their past, University of New Brunswick professor Donald Wright offers insights into the complex world of memory politics. The historical biographer and past president of the Canadian Historical Association teaches a unique course examining how we memorialize historical figures and events.
The Politics of Memory in Canadian Classrooms
Donald Wright's course on the "politics of memory" tackles challenging questions about historical commemoration in contemporary Canada. "We look at the politics of statues' naming and renaming," Wright explains. "Should statues stay up; should statues come down?" These questions form the core of discussions that push students to think critically about public monuments and their meanings.
According to Wright, his students often lean toward removal when it comes to controversial statues. "The young people say, 'Take them down,' because they're very sensitive to racism, very sensitive to reconciliation, and some statues frankly should come down," he observes. The professor specifically mentions Confederate monuments in the United States as worthy candidates for removal, noting they commemorate traitors to the nation.
The Sir John A. Macdonald Dilemma
When it comes to Canada's first prime minister, Wright acknowledges the complexity of the conversation. "Macdonald's a different kettle of fish," he notes, recognizing Macdonald's many accomplishments while also confronting his "legacy of colonial schools." This balanced approach encourages students to consider historical figures in their full complexity rather than through a singular lens.
Wright emphasizes that his teaching goal isn't to push a particular agenda but to help students understand that "memory doesn't fall from the sky." He wants them to recognize that statues emerge from specific historical contexts and that we can think about them critically while understanding their origins.
Democratic Processes in Historical Reckoning
Despite understanding student perspectives favoring removal, Wright introduces important counterarguments. He challenges students to consider: "What if right-wing racist lunatic skinheads came and took down your statue to a progressive figure? You wouldn't be very pleased." This thought experiment encourages students to consider the importance of process in historical reckoning.
The professor stresses that if statues are to be removed, "there has to be a democratic process and your elected officials can design a process and follow the process." This approach emphasizes civil discourse and proper channels rather than unilateral actions.
Wright brings unique expertise to these discussions as an expert on Donald Creighton, the celebrated historical biographer who won two Governor-General's literary awards in the 1950s for his portrayal of Sir John A. Macdonald. Creighton presented Macdonald as a pragmatic visionary who forged a new country amidst U.S. threats and imperial decline—a perspective that contrasts with contemporary critiques but remains historically significant.
The conversation also touched on contemporary politics, with Wright noting that "no one saw this coming" regarding Donald Trump's presidency, predicting that historians will remember Trump as "the most consequential president in American history." Additionally, Wright endorses Justin Trudeau's contention that Canada is the first post-national nation, adding another layer to the discussion about Canadian identity and historical memory.
