Historical communists, particularly in the 20th century under regimes like the Soviet Union, Maoist China, and others, engaged in cultural erasure as tools to consolidate power, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological conformity.
Is modern day Great Britain, with its penchant for arresting people for offensive social media posts, on a similar path with its cult-like attachment to wokeism? — echoing Marxist frameworks by replacing class struggle with conflicts over race, sex, gender, and other social categories?
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust announced plans this week to "decolonize"—culturally cleanse—the historic site of William Shakespeare’s birth, sparking fierce debate around the world.
The initiative will reframe Shakespeare's legacy by highlighting colonial themes in his works and "diversifying" the narrative around his life.
The trust will introduce new exhibits focusing on plays like The Tempest, often critiqued for colonial undertones, and include perspectives from Indigenous and postcolonial scholars.
A spokesperson said, "We want to ensure Shakespeare’s story reflects a global context, not just a British one."
Critics, including local historian Margaret Hale, argue it’s an "unnecessary rewrite of history," noting Shakespeare’s era predates modern colonialism.
The move follows similar efforts in UK cultural institutions, with funding partly tied to government grants pushing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Visitors will see changes by summer 2025, although the iconic half-timbered house of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon remains untouched — for now.
