I. Intro
The Confederate flag has long been a controversial symbol in America. There are those who argue that it represents the worst in American history--hatred, slavery, hypocrisy--while others just as passionately argue that it is a symbol of Southern heritage, a memory to be preserved and respected.
This controversy encompasses much of what we've learned about in American Studies this year from the Constitution to the Civil War. As part of your final exam in American Studies, we would like you to research the controversy surrounding the Confederate flag and decide for yourself whether it is acceptable for individuals/organizations/government institutions to "fly" the Confederate flag.
The Confederate flag has long been a controversial symbol in America. There are those who argue that it represents the worst in American history--hatred, slavery, hypocrisy--while others just as passionately argue that it is a symbol of Southern heritage, a memory to be preserved and respected.
This controversy encompasses much of what we've learned about in American Studies this year from the Constitution to the Civil War. As part of your final exam in American Studies, we would like you to research the controversy surrounding the Confederate flag and decide for yourself whether it is acceptable for individuals/organizations/government institutions to "fly" the Confederate flag.
II. Prompt
For your final exam long composition, you will write an argumentative essay which answers the following prompt:
Is it acceptable to "fly" the Confederate flag?
Essays must contain the following:
For your final exam long composition, you will write an argumentative essay which answers the following prompt:
Is it acceptable to "fly" the Confederate flag?
- Is the flag a symbol of racism or heritage?
- Does one's 1st Amendment right to free speech/expression outweigh the potential harm caused to people who see this symbol as offensive/racist? Should there be limits on free speech?
- Should government institutions (like the RMV) be held to higher standards of correctness than individuals?
Essays must contain the following:
- Intro-Body Paragraphs-Conclusion
- Clear Claim
- 2-3 reasons (supported by evidence from your research) to support your claim
- Summary of opposing/counter claim (i.e. what do people who disagree with you think?)
- A refute of this counter claim (i.e. why are your opponents wrong/misguided?)
III. Resources
Below are links to articles and resources related to the Confederate flag controversy. Read them and find evidence to support your claim: