New Iconoclasm

Duration: 2020–2021

The members of the Philosophical and Historical Class of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities formed a working group to examine the global significance of iconoclasm and the role of monuments. In the process, they examined various aspects of iconoclasm. Some of the findings from this working group were published in the 2021/2 issue of Athene magazine.

One of these aspects concerned the toppling of statues of colonial rulers and slave traders during the Black Lives Matter protests in the United Kingdom. These events highlight a growing confrontation with historical symbols that serve as reminders of the colonial past and imperialist violence. The protests raised the question of how to deal with monuments, street names, and architecture that reflect the history of colonialism.

The toppling of monuments, however, is not a new phenomenon. There were already disputes as far back as the 19th century; today, however, the debate is more strongly shaped by a progressive elite that calls for a critical examination of imperial history. This raises the question of whether we should remember only a morally “pure” past, which carries the risk of oversimplifying historical complexity and jeopardizing our sense of cultural belonging. The discussion surrounding monuments must acknowledge the moral ambivalence of many historical figures and offer a nuanced perspective.
Monuments function not only as silent landmarks but also as active political and cultural instruments. They influence people’s perceptions and behavior in public spaces and shape collective memory. In countries such as China and Russia in particular, monuments possess a multidimensional power that extends beyond their physical representation. In China, for example, monuments to Mao are ubiquitous and symbolize not only a historical figure but also the ideology of the Communist Party.

Modern iconoclasm differs from earlier historical struggles in that it has a stronger moral and political dimension. Global protests are calling for a radical reevaluation of history. Historical figures are increasingly judged by their stance on colonialism. This is leading to global pressure on institutions that decide on the removal of monuments. In contrast to earlier processes, in which history was recognized as “heritage” and historicized, today’s iconoclasts demand that the past be judged according to contemporary values. The challenge lies in situating these movements within the historical context of historical struggles. It is crucial to foster a dialogue that acknowledges history in all its complexity without being overly guided by current moral standards. The goal should be to continually renegotiate the interpretation of history without demanding a universal conception of reverence for monuments.
Monuments are thus more than just works of art or historical relics—they are active players in the political and cultural sphere.

The treatment of monuments—whether through destruction, relocation, or reinterpretation—reflects profound social and political upheavals. The debate surrounding the toppling of monuments shows that monuments are always symbols of political conflict and the interpretation of history. The challenge for society lies in recognizing the historical complexity and moral ambivalence of many historical figures. The dialogue on how to deal with monuments should respect the diversity of perspectives and promote a respectful, communal remembrance that preserves the lessons of the past while leaving room for new interpretations.

The working group’s efforts resulted in the volume "Denkmalstürze" in Athene Magazine (Vol. 2/2021)

Chair:

• Ronald Asch
• Renate Lachmann

Members:

• Manfred Berg
• Markus Enders
• Tonio Hölscher
• Dieter Langewiesche
• Jörn Leonhard
• Barbara Mittler
• Cornelia Ruhe
• Beat Wyss