A recent installation in Nancy, France, has sparked conversation about the country's colonial legacy and its ongoing impact on relations with Algeria. The counter-monument, known as the Disorientation Table, features a circular table positioned upright, bearing an inscription that invites passersby to "peer into the unvarnished mirror of our memory". This concept is rooted in the French term 'mal poli', meaning both rude and unpolished, yet serves as a thought-provoking tool.
The idea behind this counter-monument is not to smooth over history but to acknowledge its rough edges. Dorothée-Myriam Kellou's work aims to address a generational thirst for recognition of the past in France, where an estimated seven to eight million people have some link to Algeria. The journalist and filmmaker believes that creating collective spaces will facilitate access to these stories.
France's president, Emmanuel Macron, has called for the "recognition of (historical) facts" and a "reconciliation of memories" to heal relations with Algeria. However, he has ruled out repentance, apologies, and reparations, leaving many wanting more. In contrast, the city of Nancy has taken a different approach by incorporating the counter-monument as part of its cultural landscape.
The introduction of this counter-monument raises questions about how France can reconcile its past with its present. The Disorientation Table serves as an example of an alternative to simply tearing down statues or renaming streets, instead offering a nuanced and context-sensitive approach to confronting historical injustices.
The idea behind this counter-monument is not to smooth over history but to acknowledge its rough edges. Dorothée-Myriam Kellou's work aims to address a generational thirst for recognition of the past in France, where an estimated seven to eight million people have some link to Algeria. The journalist and filmmaker believes that creating collective spaces will facilitate access to these stories.
France's president, Emmanuel Macron, has called for the "recognition of (historical) facts" and a "reconciliation of memories" to heal relations with Algeria. However, he has ruled out repentance, apologies, and reparations, leaving many wanting more. In contrast, the city of Nancy has taken a different approach by incorporating the counter-monument as part of its cultural landscape.
The introduction of this counter-monument raises questions about how France can reconcile its past with its present. The Disorientation Table serves as an example of an alternative to simply tearing down statues or renaming streets, instead offering a nuanced and context-sensitive approach to confronting historical injustices.
. I mean, it's about time they addressed the rough edges of "mal poli" - you know, not sugarcoating the truth for the sake of peace 
. The Disorientation Table is actually super thought-provoking 
... who wouldn't want to see themselves in an unvarnished mirror? It's like they're saying, "Hey, we can't just erase our mistakes, let's confront them head-on 
". I'm glad Nancy is taking the lead on this one, it shows that there are still people willing to have uncomfortable conversations 
. Maybe France will finally get its reconciliation act together 
... but only time (and more counter-monuments 
) will tell 
. By incorporating the Disorientation Table into its cultural landscape, Nancy is demonstrating that a nuanced approach can be more effective in healing historical wounds.
. Rather than simply erasing or distorting history, as Macron suggests, France should strive to understand and learn from its mistakes. The Disorientation Table serves as a powerful reminder that confronting the rough edges of our collective memory is essential for growth and reconciliation 
.
.
... meanwhile, emmanuel macron's call for "recognition of facts" but no apologies or reparations kinda feels like a step in the right direction 
... what do u think? can france really reconcile its past with its present?