Guided Primary Source Analysis: Pulling Down the Statue
Take a close look at this image to notice small details as well as the bigger picture. Then fill out an Event Happenings worksheet. Next, review the complete work and the source record. What more did you learn?
Now look closely at two more images of the same event; the first is a modified image of the first and the second is an entirely different image. Be sure to look closely. What do you learn from the images and source records? Compare and contrast the images as well as the information you learned from the source records and summarize your findings. What questions would you want answered to help you learn more about his event?
Click the links below and read the articles to investigate a related contemporary event. Write an op-ed article (see resources below) that links your study of the past to the present situation. Be sure to make arguments that will persuade your audience (schoolmates, local community members, state legislators, etc.) to align themselves to your viewpoint.
Articles
- The next wave of statue removals is afoot. See where they’re being taken down across the U.S. NBC News Summer 2020
- Pulling down statues? It’s a tradition that dates back to U.S. independence National Geographic July 1, 2020
- What Does It Mean to Tear Down a Statue? New York Times June 24, 2020
- Should Statues Of Historic Figures With Complicated Pasts Be Taken Down? NPR podcast with written transcript June 23, 2020
- Must we allow symbols of racism on public land? Harvard Gazette June 2020
- Confederate Statues Were Never Really About Preserving History FiveThirtyEight July 8, 2020
- The Rights and Wrongs of Taking Down Monuments The Volokh Conspiracy June 20, 2020
- People Are Tearing Down Racist Statues Worldwide Because Governments Won’t Vice Media June 10, 2020
Op-Ed resources
- How to Write an Editorial New York Times video
- Seven Steps to a Strong Opinion Poynter Institute
- Op Ed Grading Rubric – SchoolJournalism.org
What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!