Forum Topic

Accidental Fascist Naming

Reading the article in this site's newsletter about the unfortunate events surrounding the naming of a building in the Ram Quarter the thought occurred that we may not be hearing the full story. The Chinese developers aren't likely to have picked the name of Verdon Roe out of thin air - someone must have advised them it was a good idea. Given that there is apparently a plaque in the borough to this man it may well have been the Council who made the original suggestion. If it was they are clearly anxious to shift the blame onto the Chinese. Having had some limited business dealings with the Chinese this would have been a very bad idea. They won't scream and shout about it but they will not forget the loss of face. I would anticipate dealing with them will become a lot more difficult probably to the detriment of local people.

David Parker ● 2879d2 Comments

I agree up to a point but find it hard to think of any mainstream view currently held that our successors will see as being as bad as fascism.

David Parker ● 2856d

While not condoning this man's views the problem I have with this is that you could rule out more or less any historical figure for commemoration for having an opinion that we now find unpalatable. The mistake we are making is not to recognise that if we honour contemporary figures whose point of view is pristine from a current perspective later generations may have a different opinion and find something that they have said or done just as objectionable as we find Verdon Roe's support for fascism.

Carmel Cunningham ● 2856d