Trump takes advantage of a popular misconception about racism -- that it is something held in the heart. In reality it is a system of oppression that promotes power and privilege.
Regardless of the nuances of Robert E. Lee's behavior and historical context, his statutes represent white supremacy in the eyes of many Americans, and that's why they must be taken down.
Solange Uwimana is an editor and senior researcher at Media Matters. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Colorado.
