* Historical inaccuracies: Many monuments were erected to glorify historical figures or events, and they often contain historical inaccuracies or omissions. For example, some monuments to Christopher Columbus depict him as a heroic explorer who discovered America, when in reality he was responsible for the deaths of millions of indigenous people.
* Lack of diversity: Many monuments are dedicated to white men, and they often ignore the contributions of other groups of people. For example, there are relatively few monuments to women, people of color, or LGBTQ people.
* Symbols of oppression: Some monuments are seen as symbols of oppression or racism. For example, many Confederate monuments in the United States are seen as symbols of the Confederacy's fight to maintain slavery.
How monuments compare to today:
* Greater awareness of historical context: Today, there is a greater awareness of the historical context of monuments, and people are more likely to question their accuracy and significance. This has led to a movement to remove or alter monuments that are considered to be offensive or inaccurate.
* Increased diversity: There is a growing movement to create more diverse monuments that reflect the contributions of all groups of people. This has led to the erection of new monuments to women, people of color, and LGBTQ people.
* Remembrance and reconciliation: Some monuments are now being used as sites for remembrance and reconciliation. For example, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, is dedicated to the victims of lynching.
Overall, monuments are still an important part of society, but there is a growing awareness of their limitations and a movement to make them more accurate, inclusive, and reflective of today's values.