The Shaw Memorial statue is a rich piece of Art that develops numerous themes of high relevance in the contemporary world. The Shaw memorial presents an artistic work compiled by Augustus Saint-Gaudens that describes Colonial Shaw leading his soldiers. The sculpture presents the establishment of the historical memory of the MA 54th Regiment. One can learn various lessons from this work that are essential in understanding how to embrace diversity and differences that characterize the modern society. The paper argues that the Shaw Memorial presents a strategic piece of work that describes the history of Civil War and vital role that African Americans assumed in this war, the concepts that are essential in developing knowledge of the race relations, cultural differences and gender issues in the modern society.
Shaw dominates the central part of the statue depicting him as the leader of the squad. He is dressed in campaign uniform and a military cap, and he holds a sword. The matching soldiers are also in campaign uniform; they are armed with rifles and seem to be executed in high relief. On the upper part of the sculpture, there is an allegorical female figure holding branches of Poppies and Laurel. The sculpture revives the memory of the 54th Massachusetts, which is one of the African-American volunteer battle units of the Civil War (Whitaker 74). From the statue one can learn of about the confident and the pride that soldiers had as they matched forward to confront their enemies to ensure that the future generation enjoyed a brighter future. It is however discouraging to learn that most of these soldiers were killed on course of the war (Dryfhout and Augustus 50). Despite this, I am highly motivated by the spirit and the attitude characterizing these men on looking at the sculpture. In this context, it is factual to state that a bright future often demands us to sacrifice ourselves self to better the welfare of others. For example, the sacrifice made by Shaw and his team fostered a successful civil war in the future that earned the Americans the freedom that they enjoy today.
The sculpture presents a period that was characterized with severe racial differences and discrimination. This was essentially the era of slavery in which the colonial forces exploited the Blacks. The Shaw Memorial statue introduces a unique aspect by capturing the Blacks to explain the significant role of these men in the civil wars. Incorporating the black soldiers was a tactical practice and symbolic for the period of Civil War. The struggle was becoming stiff, and the Union needed more men to conquer their competitors. The adoption of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 allowed the newly freed slaves to enroll to the military units (Dryfhout and Augustus 50). Following this policy, Shaw preferred to fight with the 54th at Fort Wagner instead of command from the sidelines. In consequence, about six hundred men attacked the fort, the move that left about 272 of the dead. However, the move provided a platform on which successful civil wars were staged in future (Whitaker 69).
Critical evaluation of this scenario highlights various ideas from which we can learn important concepts that are applicable in the modern society. Initially, the society during this period viewed the Blacks as individuals of less ability due to stereotypic racial assumptions. However, it is surprising to learn that these characters of less ability assumed a strategic position in ensuring the freedom that the current American generation enjoys. In this respect, it is apparent that the stereotypic assumptions that classified the Blacks as individuals of less ability were unjust and misinformed. This highlights the significance of fighting against racial and ethnic stereotypes since they only affect the establishment of our society and add no value to our welfare. I am motivated to assume this position by considering that the White and the Blacks were able to stage a strong convoy that fought for liberation by working together,
During the Civil War period, a widespread perspective opposed the idea of allowing African-Americans males enroll in the combat (Lauerhass 34). As described above, this was a misinformed position that hindered the performance of the colonial forces. In the view of this situation, we need to think of the biased assumptions that we presently have upon individuals of a particular group, class, ethnic background or gender. This attitude is similar to the present day’s opinion that limit women from serving in some professionals such as military and others. Aspired by the situation presented by the Shaw Memorial, I believe that such attitudes are resulting to negative consequences in the society, which affirms the significance of abandoning them.
The Shaw Memorial is an educative piece of work that challenges the current generation to re-think about the significance of abandoning stereotypic assumptions that are based on racial social-cultural aspects. It is the high time that the society started considering persons as individuals of equal and high potential regardless of their social status, race or gender. Accordingly, authorities and the society should focus on eradicating any form of inequalities identified in the modern civilizations.
Works Cited
Dryfhout, John, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The Work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Hanover, N.H: University Press of New England, 2008. Print.
Lauerhass, Ludwig. The Shaw Memorial: A Celebration of an American Masterpiece. Conshohocken: Eastern National, 1997. Print.
Whitaker, Matthew C. Icons of Black America: Breaking Barriers and Crossing Boundaries. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood, 2011. Print.
