The Economist: What the Crown Jewels Reveal About Britain’s Colonial Past
“Modern attitudes towards the legacy of colonialism are shifting. Younger Britons are more sceptical than their parents about their country’s role in world history. And as historians scrutinise sources from former colonies, hard truths about Britain’s historical empire are emerging. People are eager to know more. Community groups who were consulted during research for the exhibition said they wanted to learn about the Koh-i-Noor and Cullinan diamonds, explains Mr Farris. In a similar vein, many Western museums are becoming increasingly transparent about contested objects in their collections.
Yet even this retain and explain policy can meet resistance. Professor Lester says some politicians are
preventing meaningful discussion of the British Empire, branding any critical discussion as “anti-British
wokery”. That is short-sighted. These dazzling jewels are part of Britain’s cultural heritage; embroiling them in the culture war detracts from their importance both to Britons and people around the world. Better to hold them up to the light, flaws and all.” By Claire McQue
