Conflicts over the placement and design of memorials often arise due to deeply rooted sacred values attached to these monuments. Even small changes, such as a new design or a different location, can be perceived as a great insult. This often leads to resistance and prolonged conflicts, as revealed by research from political scientist Alana Castro de Azevedo.
Political scientist Alana Castro de Azevedo examined conflicts surrounding Holocaust and slavery memorials in Amsterdam, Lisbon, and London. She found that for many communities, memorials are often more than just symbols of the past. They are linked to deeply ingrained moral and cultural values, which makes these monuments practically inviolable. Finding a compromise, such as making an adjustment, is therefore almost impossible.
In her research, Castro de Azevedo points to the limitations of traditional participatory methods. In societies becoming increasingly diverse due to migration, aging, and cultural differences, it is becoming more difficult to allow everyone to have a say in these memorials. When certain groups feel excluded, tensions rise. This can lead to a sense of injustice and intensify polarization within society.
Inclusive decision-making as a solution
Castro de Azevedo advocates for inclusive decision-making, where different communities are actively involved. This helps to better understand the complexity of the histories behind memorials and encourages respectful dialogue. By recognizing the sacred values attached to monuments, conflicts can be reduced, and memorials can reflect shared values without disregarding the feelings of other groups.
Castro de Azevedo’s findings provide valuable lessons for policymakers and heritage planners. By taking sacred values seriously in the monument planning process, they can contribute to a constructive dialogue. This helps create monuments that both honour the past and reflect the diversity of today’s society, strengthening social cohesion and shared memory.