With renewed calls for racial justice in America, there has been a surge in demands to remove Confederate monuments, eliminate Native American mascots from sports teams, and rebrand products that feature racist caricatures. The CBS Reports documentary "Speaking Frankly | Symbolic Justice" delves into the question of whether this focus on imagery and symbols distracts from the broader fight for systemic change or if it is an essential step towards a more equitable future. The documentary begins by examining the removal of Confederate monuments, a contentious issue that has gained significant momentum in recent years. These monuments, often erected decades after the Civil War, have long been seen as symbols of white supremacy and racial oppression. Activists argue that their presence in public spaces perpetuates a harmful narrative and validates the ideologies of the Confederacy. However, critics contend that removing these monuments erases history and prevents future generations from learning from the past. One of the key figures in the documentary is a historian who explains that many Confederate monuments were not built immediately after the Civil War but rather during periods of heightened racial tension, such as the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights Movement. This timing suggests that the monuments were more about reinforcing racial hierarchies than honoring historical figures. The documentary also highlights the emotional impact of these monuments on communities, particularly on Black Americans who see them as constant reminders of systemic racism. Next, the documentary turns to the issue of Native American mascots in sports. Teams like the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders) and the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians) have faced intense pressure to change their names and logos. Indigenous leaders and activists argue that these mascots are not only offensive but also contribute to the marginalization and stereotyping of Native American communities. They emphasize that the use of such imagery in sports can have lasting psychological effects on young Native Americans, reinforcing negative stereotypes and undermining their self-esteem. On the other hand, some sports fans and team owners have defended the mascots, claiming that they honor Native American heritage and are deeply ingrained in the team's history and identity. The documentary includes interviews with Native American activists and scholars who counter this argument by explaining the harmful nature of these mascots and the importance of respecting the wishes of the communities they purport to honor. The documentary then discusses the rebranding of consumer products that feature racist imagery, such as Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben. These brands, which have been household names for generations, have faced criticism for their use of caricatures that perpetuate harmful racial stereotypes. In response, companies have rebranded these products, removing the offensive imagery and, in some cases, renaming them entirely. The documentary explores the impact of these changes on consumer perception and the broader cultural conversation about race. Activists and scholars interviewed in the documentary argue that while rebranding is a positive step, it is only a small part of the larger effort needed to address systemic racism. They point out that companies must also address deeper issues, such as hiring practices, product sourcing, and corporate policies, to truly make a difference. The documentary highlights the contrast between the relatively quick and visible changes in brand imagery and the slower, more challenging work of internal corporate reform. The documentary also features interviews with community members and leaders who discuss the importance of symbolic justice in the context of broader social movements. They argue that while symbols alone cannot solve systemic issues, they can be powerful tools for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and creating a sense of inclusion and respect. Removing offensive symbols can help to create a more welcoming environment and signal a commitment to change. However, the documentary also acknowledges the concerns that focusing too much on symbols can divert attention from more pressing issues, such as police reform, economic inequality, and educational disparities. It includes perspectives from social justice advocates who believe that while symbolic changes are necessary, they should not come at the expense of substantive policy reforms. The documentary concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach. While symbolic justice is important, it must be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes legislative and policy changes to address the root causes of racial injustice. The removal of Confederate monuments, the rebranding of sports teams, and the reimagining of consumer products are steps in the right direction, but they are only the beginning of a long and complex journey towards a more equitable society. "Speaking Frankly | Symbolic Justice" provides a nuanced look at the role of symbols in the fight for racial justice, highlighting both their potential to inspire change and the limitations of relying on them alone. It underscores the importance of continuing to push for systemic reforms while also recognizing the value of symbolic actions in fostering a more inclusive and respectful public discourse.