When Symbols Conflicts Emerge

Conflicts about symbols and public spaces may be about much more than that. To maintain trust and avoid eroding a sense of community during a symbols contest, consult, listen to, and demonstrate an understanding of what lies beneath the demands and concern for all members of the community. Once a conflict begins, groups stake out positions publicly and passions increase – often before any process can begin. It will then be difficult to find an option that pleases everyone. One group will often want change. Another group will want to preserve what was established historically or artistically, will not understand why the contested symbol is problematic, or will raise the “slippery slope” argument about what else will have to be changed after this one. But a collaborative process may help enhance trust and a sense of community even if it is not practical to convene that process until after leaders make decisions about the contested symbols. A collaborative process may also lead to deeper and more significant change on issues such as social justice or national identity underlying the conflicts over symbols and open spaces. It may decrease backlash, as those opposed to change have gained an understanding of the reasons for it, even if they do not support them.