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 two of these sources 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

The prompt is asking me to evaluate whether or not the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is an appropriate tribute to the Vietnam veterans. After reading the background information, my gut opinion is leaning towards the idea that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is indeed an appropriate tribute. I believe that the reflective quality of the memorial and its unique design offer a somber and reflective space for visitors to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers of the Vietnam War.

Sources that support my position include Source B (THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL by Maya Ling Yin), which discusses the design and intention behind the memorial. Source E (HONORING VETERANS OF WAR AND ANTI-WAR by Phyllis S. Corbitt) may also provide insights into the importance of recognizing and honoring the veterans who served in the Vietnam War.

On the other hand, sources that seem to run counter to my position include Source C (INSULTING VIETNAM VETS, by Tom Carhart), which may argue that the memorial dishonors the survivors of the Vietnam War. Another source that could provide a counter-argument is Source A (A YALE SENIOR, A VIETNAM MEMORIAL AND A FEW IRONTES, by B. Drummond).

One overarching theme that I notice in the works I read is the idea of honoring and remembering the veterans of the Vietnam War. This theme can be used to group the sources and compare and contrast their perspectives on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

In my synthesis essay, I will analyze the different viewpoints presented in the sources and discuss how they contribute to the overall debate about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I will use quotes from each source to support my arguments and provide a well-rounded analysis of the topic. Additionally, I will consider the historical context of the Vietnam War and the significance of honoring the veterans who served during this tumultuous time in American history.

Overall, my essay will explore the complexities of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and assess whether it effectively serves as a tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War. By examining multiple perspectives and considering the diverse opinions presented in the sources, I will offer a comprehensive evaluation of the memorial and its significance in American history.