Week 14 - Review about Wikipedia reading (Chaebin Park 박채빈)

1. Summary

For this week’s blog activity, I decided to explore the “Did you know…” page on the front page of Wikipedia. This page features brief highlights of interesting facts from among the countless articles on Wikipedia. I found it particularly engaging because it introduces topics that are often unfamiliar, surprising, or thought-provoking to readers.

I usually use Wikipedia to look up specific information or to study something more in-depth when I encounter new topics in class or daily life. However, the “Did you know…” page caught my attention because it presents information in a light and accessible way, similar to a news headline or a trending community post.

The article I read was: “…that sculptures of children's shoes at the Antimonumento 49 ABC —honoring those killed in a fire—were later stolen?”

This article introduces Antimonumento 49 ABC, a memorial monument located in Mexico City. It was built to honor the 49 children who tragically died in a fire at the ABC Daycare Center in 2009. The monument features the phrase “Nunca más!” (“Never again!” in Spanish). Additionally, 25 small sculptures in the shape of children’s shoes, each engraved with the names of the victims, were installed—but sadly, some of them were stolen just two weeks later.

2. Interesting Points

What I found most interesting was that this memorial is not just a commemorative structure, but a symbolic form of civic protest with strong social and political messages. There are several similar Antimonumentos in Mexico. Citizens often install these to express their anger and resistance against government negligence or injustice.

Until now, I mostly thought of monuments as something state-led. So I was struck by the fact that these citizen-created structures remain in public spaces over time and become powerful symbols of remembrance.

Another thing that stood out to me was the theft of some of the children's shoe sculptures, which occurred just two weeks after their installation. It’s unclear who did it or why, but I felt deeply saddened that a symbol meant to honor innocent lives was damaged in such a way.

3. Discussion
This Wikipedia article made me reflect on how we remember and honor tragic events. Creating symbolic spaces, like the Antimonumento 49 ABC, is not only a way to preserve memory but also an act of resistance and a powerful statement. In Korea, we’ve seen similar examples such as the memorials for the Sewol Ferry disaster and the Statue of Peace dedicated to comfort women. These are part of what we might call the “politics of memory,” helping ensure that tragedies are never forgotten.

I discovered this article through Wikipedia’s “Did you know…” page, and what began as simple curiosity led me to learn about a tragic incident I previously knew nothing about. That experience made me realize how valuable this page is—not just for fun facts, but as a gateway to deeper knowledge and social awareness. It expands access to important stories and reminds us that Wikipedia is more than just a knowledge-sharing platform. It can also serve as a space for collective remembrance and continued reflection.

Questions:

1. Have you come across anything new or memorable through the Wikipedia “Did you know…” page? If so, what was it?
2. Do you think symbolic monuments can create real social or political change?