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Debating Monuments, Memorials and Statues

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Weighing the Evidence

You have been appointed by Congress to a National Monument, Memorial, and Statue Taskforce that is asked to make recommendations in favor or against statues erected throughout the United States. Your team’s recommendations will be used by localities around the country to decide what to do with these cultural objects.

Choose one of these three actions for each monument and place it on the scale accordingly:

  • Remain (in its current location as is)
  • Contextualize (add full historical details in its current location)
  • Remove (to a museum or cemetery)

Place the statues that should remain or be removed closer to the ends of the scale, and the ones that should be contextualized in their current locations in the middle of the scale.

As you work, for each monument, make a list of the positive and negative aspects of keeping or removing the statue from the public square. Keep in mind both the actions of the individual memorialized and the sculpture itself as a work of art when considering your recommendations.

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View the full activity: https://docsteach.org/activity/debating-monuments-memorials-and-statues/

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