Stripping Away Years of Grime: Finding Our True Selves

April 5 holds a special place in Rhode Island history. Exactly 388 years ago, on April 5, 1636, Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, was expelled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He settled on land he "purchased" from the Narragansett Indians, creating Providence, which marked the beginning of Rhode Island. Then, 101 years ago, on April 5, 1933, the Rhode Island State House, the state's capitol building, was completed after 15 years of construction.

The Rhode Island State House is crowned not by a weathervane or an ornate cupola, but by the Independent Man. He embodies autonomy, decency, and self-reliance, likely inspired by the qualities of Roger Williams, a man of integrity and great conviction. Last December, for the first time in nearly half a century, this statue, an 11-foot, 800-pound embodiment of freedom, was carefully lowered from its lofty perch. Observers watched as the crane performed its delicate dance, bringing the Independent Man down to earth. The restoration of the Independent Man serves as a mirror to our own lives. As he undergoes his facelift, stripped of years of grime and weathering, we're prompted to ask ourselves: When was the last time we underwent a similar process? Not in the sense of exfoliating or trying a new hair color, but in the deep, structural renewal of our principles and ideals. Have we, like the statue, weathered storms and come out tarnished, perhaps a bit corroded by cynicism or complacency or sold-out our values?

This statue, now grounded, offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on our own foundations. Just as the Independent Man is scrutinized for cracks and weaknesses, so too must we examine our personal and collective values. What does it mean to stand for independence and self-reliance in a world that continuously challenges these values until we become complacent? The restoration process is not swift. It requires patience, precision, and a gentle hand. So too is the task of realigning ourselves with our faded ideals. We've all had our moments of standing tall, embodying the ideals we cherish. Yet, time wears on us, blurring the sharp edges of our convictions. The Independent Man's descent is a call to action, a reminder that restoration, both of statues and souls, is not only possible but necessary.

The promise of full restoration of The Independent Man stands in stark contrast to the lyrics of the song "Northern Attitude" by folk-pop sensation Noah Kahan (sold out two nights at Fenway Park if you haven't heard of him):

You bought some [stuff], you search online

You're gettin' lost, you're gettin' high All alone,

late in life Scared to live, scared to die

You build a boat, you build a life

You lose your kids,

you lose your wife

You settle down,

you're feelin' lost

You're gettin' stoned,

then kickin' rocks

The song depicts a person caught in a cycle of discontent and avoidance. Through repetition, it portrays a sense of monotony and dissatisfaction engaging in behaviors that provide temporary relief but ultimately leave them unfulfilled. Fear and avoidance play a significant role, as indicated by the reluctance to fully engage with life and confront their true emotions or circumstances. Loss and regret are also evident, with the person having resigned themselves to their situation rather than working towards renewal or change. Settling for a stagnant existence, they find themselves trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, unable to break free and seek renewal. I refuse to believe this is representative of what Noah Kahan calls "Northern Attitude" or at least not a "Rhode Islander’s Attitude."

In stark contrast to "Northern Attitude", state flag of Rhode Island flies high above the State House. The flag features a field of white with a golden anchor in the center, surrounded by thirteen gold stars arranged in a circle. Above the anchor is a blue ribbon with the state motto "Hope" written in golden letters, while below the anchor is another blue ribbon with the word "Hope" inscribed in gold. The anchor symbolizes hope and perseverance, referencing Rhode Island's maritime heritage and its role as a safe harbor for ships.

To us personally, the Rhode Island state flag serves as a reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of challenges. The anchor symbolizes the belief that even in difficult times, there is always hope for a better future. The thirteen stars remind us of our history and the principles upon which our nation was founded, such as liberty and independence. Overall, the flag encourages us to remain steadfast in our pursuit of our goals and to never lose hope, no matter the circumstances. It calls for soul searching and renewal.

So, as The Independent Man is buffed and polished, preparing to reassume his lofty position, let us too take this time to reassess, repair, and perhaps rediscover what makes us truly independent and principled without losing the hope that makes us Rhode Islanders. (If you are from another state, this is your chance to become an honorary resident in spirit.) In doing so, we not only honor the spirit of the statue but elevate our own capacity for self-renewal. After all, independence isn't just standing alone at the top; it's having the strength to climb back up, no matter how many times we've been brought down.

Stand Tall . . . Again! There is still hope!

Post Script

Exactly 48 years ago, April 5, 1975, the Providence Bruins minor league hockey team played their first game at the Providence Civic Center, which is now known as the AMP ( Amica Insurance Mutual Pavilion). The P-Bruins have won 13 division championships and two Calder Cup championships. A common refrain in sports after a losing season is “There is always Next Year” – a steadfast call for hope and renewal.