OPINION:

The issue of removing Confederate statues has sparked many debates and emotions throughout the U.S. Hate speech stirs emotions, and so do these statues.

This made me think of the debate over whether hate speech is protected by freedom of speech. Hate speech is a terrible thing, but it needs to be protected. People should have the ability to say whatever they want as long it is not threatening.

Therefore, it is difficult for me to want the statues torn down. Yet, these statues are more than hate speech, they are the refusal to let go of what happened in the past.

It took far too long in my opinion for Americans to learn that slavery was a despicable thing. I want all Americans to learn something from this current debate–what does it say that some Americans still ride with Confederate flags 150 plus years after the Union won?

When Donald Trump was elected president, some people said that he is not their president, but as a people we had to accept that he is our leader. Every American must accept that we all live in the U.S. and what makes us so special is that we are a melting pot of the world.

Moreover, even Robert E. Lee said that the war is over, and there should be no honoring of Confederate anything; the Union won, and it is the Union we must honor. I came to the conclusion that I believe the statues should be torn down (unless they are in a Confederate cemetery).

However, I would like to add something – many believe we learn something from statues, and I hope that is true, but I know many just glance at them. Maybe in the place where the statue stood there should be a sign that says what was once there, the history of that person/event, and why it was removed.

Basically, I want a plaque that says we learned something. It is taking us far too long to realize we cannot change the past.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

Hollywood may need some first aid to help recover after its huge summer movie bust, but luckily the start of fall will help with the release of new shows and a new season of movies as well.

Many movies this summer starred big, trending celebrities, which would normally cause viewership to increase, but even the hottest names could not help Hollywood this time around.

Movies such as “Baywatch” starring Zac Efron, “The House” with Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, and even third installments of movies likes “Cars” and “Despicable Me” were unsuccessful.

While most movies this summer were a bust, there were some highlights such as “The Big Sick” which is in first place on Rotten Tomatoes with a rating of 98 percent on the “tomatometer,” and “Wonder Woman” with a 92 percent rating.

Even though some movies were lucky and brought home decent profit, the conversation focuses on the ones that were not as victorious.

I recently saw “Home Again” starring Reese Witherspoon. Overall, I would rate it a seven out of ten. It had a decent numbers of turns and twists, as well as some comedic relief, but the plot line was a bit slow and indirect.

Let us just say that the funny one-liners were very helpful in making sure I enjoyed the movie.

Luckily, this fall many new shows are headed our way. “The Big Bang Theory” spin-off “Young Sheldon” on CBS and a 12-episode revival of “Will and Grace” on NBC pose big hopes for Hollywood.

Competition shows such as “Dancing With The Stars” have already begun their runs, drawing in viewers as the wait for the fall programs begin. Other shows such as “America’s Got Talent” and “Big Brother” just announced their winners.

Summer may have been disappointing, but so far fall offerings do seem promising.