Van QR-code tot verwijdering. Debat over de symbolen van een omstreden verleden in de Brusselse openbare ruimte

Abstract

Memorial markers (statues, street names, monuments, commemorations, etc.) are everywhere in Brussels, and reflect the ideological and political values of their time. Their acceptance – which has naturally evolved over time – has often led to protests. Today, these protests focus mainly on the colonialist, racist or sexist representations conveyed by these markers in the public space. This synopsis presents the main features of the memorial landscape in Brussels since 1830 and proposes a typology of intervention strategies in the face of controversial markers, according to two main lines: the place of intervention and the visibility given to the protest. Based on an analysis of interviews, focus groups, seminars and the press, this typology identifies six strategies, ranging from maintaining the status quo to the removal of the marker. The analysis of each is illustrated by examples and arguments drawn from the body of information regarding Brussels. The study is aimed both at researchers in the field of memorial studies and political decision-makers faced with the management of a controversial marker.

Keywords

• toponymy
• history
• public action
• public space
• heritage