Please respond to at least 2 of these discussion questions RESPONSES with 50 words or more per paragraph. I SAY ALL AGAIN REPLY TO THE DISCUSSION RESPONSES ONLY! Please see pictures attached.
Why were these two marginalized groups (immigrants and African Americans) flying the American flag when they were protesting something happening in America?
The Immigrants and African American groups were flying the American flag while protesting social injustice in America. They envisioned America as the country of equality and freedom but realized those ideals were not extended to their backgrounds. It was not an indictment of the American flag but the symbolism that it had come to represent. Ultimately they desired to be treated fairly and humanely. They were looking for those freedoms when they immigrated to America only to find out those values were not extended to them.
Why would members of the military believe they were right to destroy an American flag? Do you think their superior officers would have supported their actions? Why or why not?
Members depicted in the photos believed they were right to destroy an American flag because of their sworn oath to protect the values and beliefs of America when they joined the Armed Forces. They felt as if the immigrant protestors infringed upon those beliefs protesting events happening in America while displaying/carrying the flag. The members of the military viewed that act as disrespecting the symbolism of the American flag and felt it was their duty to uphold the honor of the American institution. Their Nativists mentality would have allowed them to look at the immigrant protestors with disdain and irreverence by having the audacity to feel as if they had the right to voice an opinion of how they were being treated regardless of the circumstances. Since these photos were taken decades ago I think their superiors would have supported their actions. Military rank and file historically support one another and this would not be any different especially since this was late 19th/early 20th century where injustices were far more prevalent and socially acceptable.
Why would the policeman be angry that the child is carrying an American flag? And, why would this small child fight so hard to keep the flag?
The policeman would be angry at the child because they were part of the peaceful protest to stop police violence against blacks and voting rights. The policeman probably felt as if the protest was unwarranted and there was no violence against blacks in regards to police brutality. The policeman believed that the protestors were not honoring the values of the American flag and felt it was his duty to uphold the values at the expense of the protestors. The child fought to keep the flag because he also felt strongly about the values the American flag represented and merely wanted to be extended the same rights as the policeman. It was a peaceful protest looking for equality and the child held the American flag as a symbol of pride and belonging.
It can be argued that the American flag symbolized the same thing to each group in the photographs (military / immigrant socialist protesters / police / black civil rights protesters). Explain why the unique nature of American society makes it possible for disparate groups to believe the flag supports their very different agendas?
American society makes is possible for disparate groups to believe the flag supports their very different agendas because of our mosaic makeup. Each group whether military, immigrant, police, or civil rights protestors believe in the concept of an equal America for all. The lure of those opportunities exist in everyday life and culture and can be adjusted to suit each groups individual needs. Traditions and customs are shared among various groups becoming the fabric of what makes America the melting pot. If each group would hold the American ideals at face value vs pushing disparaging agendas of superiority, discrimination, and bigotry the America envisioned by all could be realized.
