For decades, Singapore's textbooks credited Raffles with transforming the island from a sleepy fishing village into a thriving seaport, framing him as a foundational figure in its success.
However, a new statue of Raffles installed in May has sparked debate, contrasting views of colonial legacy and prompting critics to question the glorification of imperial figures.
The installation of the statue has ignited discussions about how other nations are reassessing their colonial pasts, often removing symbols of imperialism and slavery.
Singapore's dedication to Raffles embodies the tension between acknowledging historical contributions to prosperity and confronting the injustices of colonialism that persist in public memory.
Collection
[
|
...
]