London’s Albert Memorial has been slammed as “highly offensive” and “drawing on racial stereotypes” by Royal Parks.
The memorial, which towers over the nearby Royal Albert Hall, has stood in Kensington Gardens since 1872 – but now, custodians have slated the monument for representing “problematic” values.
On Royal Parks’ website, the memorial is criticised for “reflecting a Victorian view of the world that differs from mainstream views today”.
Its description continues: “Its representation of certain continents draws on racial stereotypes that are now considered offensive.”
The iconic landmark has come under fire
Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Parks said that it updated its information about the statue late last year
Flickr
Royal Parks’ critique of the structure centres on four statues which represent Asia, Africa, America and Europe – which it calls reflective of a “Victorian view of European supremacy”.
The website continues: “Though the Empire has traditionally been celebrated as a symbol of British supremacy, many today consider this view as problematic because colonialism often relied on the oppression and exploitation of people, resources and cultures.”
The Royal Parks said that it updated its information about the statue late last year as part of an attempt to “regularly review and update information about our landscape and heritage features, across all our parks to enhance visitor experience”.
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