Matthias Schoenaerts Instagram – ‘NOT MY KING’
In the period from 1885 to 1908, many well-documented atrocities were perpetrated in the Congo Free State (today the Democratic Republic of the Congo) which, at the time, was a colony under the personal rule of King Leopold II of the Belgians. These atrocities were particularly associated with the labour policies used to collect natural rubber for export. Together with epidemic disease, famine, and a falling birth rate caused by these disruptions, the atrocities contributed to a sharp decline in the Congolese population. The magnitude of the population fall over the period is disputed, with modern estimates ranging from 10 million to 15 million deaths.
We can’t change the future without acknowledging the past and the unspeakable pain that was caused. Change and healing imply assuming responsibity and allowing conversation about, and expression of traumas that have been suffered. This image wants to generate open and productive conversation about a very painfull chapter in our history. We can only unite and merge when all is expressed and confronted. The time is now. Thanks to @thecrystalshipoostende and @allaboutth1ngs and the city of Ostend for making this possible and contributing to a very necessary process.
Many thanks to @larsen_bervoets for assisting and helping out !! You rock 💥
Photos by @nickdecombel | Posted on 19/Nov/2020 00:13:33
