What the !@#$ should happen to Confederate monuments? What Germany can teach the South about memorializing the past

While we can all agree that the South lost the Civil War, nobody can agree how to talk about it, or more importantly, how to memorialize it (if at all). As we explore the history and present role of Confederate monuments in the United States, I'll share insights from my research studying Holocaust memorials in Germany. Drawing parallels and distinctions, I aim to spark a conversation about how Germany serves as a noteworthy model for memorialization, yet not without its imperfections. Together, we'll delve into the complexities of commemorating historical events, considering how lessons from Germany can inform a nuanced approach to confronting the past and shaping a more inclusive future.

Natalie Bennie is back! She's a PhD candidate in Communication Arts & Sciences at Penn State University, as well as a political debate consultant. As a debate coach for both students and adults, she has developed debate education curriculum in 4 different countries, including for one year in Germany as a Fulbright grantee. Her academic research centers on public deliberation and argumentation in the context of monuments and memorials.