Intelligence Squared Essays at the Crossroads of Race, with Esi Edugyan
Feb 22, 2022
Esi Edugyan, a Canadian novelist celebrated for exploring complex subjects, discusses her nonfiction collection, *Out of the Sun: Essays at the Crossroads of Race*. Alongside curator Aindrea Emelife, they dive into Black identity in art and the power of reshaping historical narratives. Esi reflects on her motivations for revealing hidden histories and the significance of representation in contemporary society. The conversation emphasizes embracing ambiguity and fostering empathy to deepen our understanding of diverse experiences and narratives.
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Statue in Charlottesville
- Esi Edugyan and her partner felt shocked by a statue in Charlottesville, Virginia.
- It depicted dominant figures surrounded by kneeling Indigenous men.
Removal of Sir John A. MacDonald Statue
- In Victoria, Canada, a statue of Sir John A. MacDonald was removed due to his controversial record with Indigenous peoples.
- Edugyan discusses the complexities of removing statues of historical figures central to a nation's founding.
Recontextualizing Statues
- Edugyan suggests recontextualizing statues by adding plaques or creating counter-statues of marginalized figures.
- She recalls Budapest's Statue Park, where statues from the Stalinist era are displayed in a new context.
