The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. has been a topic of controversy since its inception, with conflicting opinions on whether it is an appropriate tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War. Some argue that the memorial is a fitting and evocative tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the conflict, while others believe it is a disrespectful and dishonorable monument. In order to evaluate the appropriateness of the memorial, it is important to consider the perspectives presented in various sources and analyze the different viewpoints that are expressed.
Upon reading the background information provided, my initial gut opinion leans towards viewing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a meaningful and poignant tribute to the veterans of the war. The unique design of the memorial, with its intersecting reflective walls listing the names of the fallen, seems to offer a somber and contemplative space for reflection and remembrance. I believe that the minimalist design allows for a powerful and personal connection to the individuals who lost their lives in the conflict, creating a profound sense of reverence for their sacrifice.
Sources A and B both support the idea that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a fitting tribute to the veterans of the war. Source A, a Yale senior's reflection on the memorial, acknowledges the initial controversy surrounding its design but ultimately praises its emotional impact and ability to honor the sacrifice of those who served. Source B, written by Maya Ling Yin, the designer of the memorial, highlights the intention behind the design and its significance as a place of healing and reconciliation for veterans and their families.
On the other hand, Source C, authored by Tom Carhart, presents a counterargument by claiming that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is insulting to Vietnam veterans. Carhart criticizes the design of the memorial as a "black, tomb-like hole" that dishonors the survivors of the war and fails to properly pay tribute to their service. This perspective challenges the idea that the memorial effectively honors the veterans of the conflict and raises questions about its overall impact.
One overarching theme that emerges from the sources is the significance of remembrance and memorialization in honoring the veterans of the Vietnam War. While some sources emphasize the emotional and symbolic value of the memorial as a place of reflection and tribute, others question its effectiveness in conveying respect and recognition for the veterans. By grouping the sources based on their perspectives on the appropriateness of the memorial, it becomes clear that there are divergent opinions on its significance and impact.
In synthesizing the sources, it is essential to consider the multiple viewpoints presented and to critically evaluate the arguments made for and against the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. By examining the themes of remembrance, tribute, and memorialization, a comprehensive analysis can be crafted to assess the appropriateness of the memorial in honoring the veterans of the Vietnam War. Through a balanced consideration of the differing perspectives and arguments presented in the sources, a nuanced understanding of the memorial's significance can be achieved.
Read the Introduction and questions and write a long synthesis essay of at least 5 pages or paragraphs don't just answer the question
Introduction:
The Vietnam Conflict was arguably the most contentious in American History The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington DC., was also a contentious choice. A wild departure from the tall monuments of other wars, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is an intersection of two reflective walls set below the ground. The walls list the names of the Americans who died in the conflict. Some have referred to the monument as a black, tomb-like hole that dishonors the survivors of the Vietnam War. Others feel that the reflective quality of the monument coupled with the park-like setting around it pays evocative tribute to a complex moment in American history.
Read the following sources (including any introductory information) carefully. Then write a synthesis essay in which you evaluate whether or not the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C is an appropriate tribute to the Vietnam veterans
Refer to the sources by their titles (Source A, Source B, etc.) or by the descriptions
Source A (Ayers)
Source B (Lin)
Source C (Carhart)
Source D (Remembering)
Source E (Corbitt)
Sources:
A. YALE SENIOR, A VIETNAM MEMORIAL AND A FEW IRONTES, by B. Drummond
B. THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL by Maya Ling Yin
C. INSULTING VIETNAM VETS, by Tom Carhart
D. HOW TO REMEMBER VIL INAM
E HONORING VETERANS OF WAR AND ANTI-WAR by Phyllis S. Corbitt
Keep the following questions in mind and make sure to answer them in your essay
What is the prompt asking you to take a position on, what is it asking you to do. After reading the background info, what is your gut opinion on which side you want to take. Which sources support your position. Make an indication so you can come back to those later. Which sources seem to run counter to your position. Pick at least two of these to read for your counter-argument. As you are reading, be on the lookout for anything (quotes) you can use in your paper later Mark them so you can find them as you are writing. What are some overarching themes you notice in the works you read. How can you use these themes to group the sources you read. How will you combine them. You will need to use 3 sources overall, but please don't use more than 4 (for time purposes). Yes, this means you can use a source twice For example, if you have talked about Source A and Source B in the first paragraph, you can then talk about Source B and Source E in the second paragraph. You MUST have more than one source per body paragraph. Make a brief outline and pick pertinent quotes from your sources if you haven't yet
1 answer