History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues

It is easy to hate and difficult to love because when societies fracture into warring tribes, we demonize those who oppose us and tear down our statues, forgetting that what begins with the destruction of statues often leads to the killing of people. A History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues is a compelling exploration of identity and power that spans every continent, religion, and era, through the creation and destruction of 21 statues.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 07 September 2021
\n Publisher: Aurum Press
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Why is it easy to hate and difficult to love? When societies fracture into warring tribes, we demonise those who oppose us. We tear down our statues, forgetting that what begins with the destruction of statues, often leads to the killing of people. Blending history, philosophy, and psychology, A History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues is a compelling exploration of identity and power. This remarkable book spans every continent, religion, and era, through the creation and destruction of 21 statues from Hatshepsut and the Buddhas of Bamiyan to Mendelssohn, Edward Colston, and Frederick Douglass.

The 21 statues are:
Hatshepsut (Ancient Egypt)
Nero (Suffolk, UK)
Athena (Syria)
Buddhas of Bamiyan (Afghanistan)
Hecate (Constantinople)
Our Lady of Caversham (near Reading, UK)
Huitzilopochtli (Mexico)
Confucius (China)
Louis XV (France)
Mendelssohn (Germany)
The Confederate Monument (US)
Sir John A. Macdonald (Canada)
Christopher Columbus (Venezuela)
Edward Colston (Bristol, UK)
Cecil Rhodes (South Africa)
George Washington (US)
Stalin (Hungary)
Yagan (Australia)
Saddam Hussein (Iraq)
B. R. Ambedkar (India)
Frederick Douglass (US)

The statues represent a diverse range of historical and cultural figures, each with their own unique story and significance. From the powerful and revered Hatshepsut to the controversial Confederate Monument, these statues have been both celebrated and vilified throughout history.

The book delves into the complex reasons why it is easy to hate and difficult to love, exploring the themes of identity, power, and prejudice. It examines how societies create and perpetuate stereotypes, and how these stereotypes can lead to hatred and violence. It also looks at the ways in which individuals can overcome these biases and cultivate a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others.

One of the key themes of the book is the power of statues to shape and reflect society's values and beliefs. Statues can be used to celebrate and commemorate important historical figures, or to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and prejudices. For example, the Confederate Monument in the US was erected to celebrate the legacy of the Confederacy, but it has also been used as a symbol of white supremacy and racism.

The book also explores the role of identity in shaping our attitudes towards others. Identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses our race, gender, religion, and cultural background. It can be a source of pride and identity, but it can also be a source of division and conflict. The book examines how identity can be used to justify hatred and discrimination, as well as how it can be used to promote unity and understanding.

Another important theme of the book is the power of love to overcome hate and prejudice. Love has the ability to bridge gaps and create connections between people from different backgrounds and cultures. The book showcases examples of individuals and communities who have used love to overcome hatred and prejudice, such as the civil rights movement in the US and the campaign to end apartheid in South Africa.

In conclusion, A History of Love and Hate in 21 Statues is a thought-provoking and powerful exploration of identity and power. It offers a compelling analysis of why it is easy to hate and difficult to love, and provides insights into the ways in which we can cultivate a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of human relationships and the role of statues in shaping our society.

\n Weight: 598g\n
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780711266124\n \n