The Fate of Confederate Monuments in the South

Story 

Recently violence broke out in Charlottesville, Virginia after a rally held by white nationalists became violent when they clashed with counter demonstrators. One woman was killed. The white nationalists were in Charlottesville to protest the city’s plan to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee.The clash has raised tensions around the country about what to do with monuments honoring Confederate figures. One city, Richmond, Virginia has a rich history when it comes to the early development the United States. It had a massive slave marketplace and a strong Confederate Army during the Civil War. Listen to hear a discussion of the history and fate of Confederate statues.

Listening Comprehension Questions

• What is the reasoning described in the story for the construction of the monuments?
• What is the main argument for preserving the monuments?
• What is the argument for taking down the monuments?
• What is meant by the quote, “History is not only about what we choose to commemorate, but what we choose to forget?”

Classroom Discussion Themes

• How would you define the phrase, “you cannot have reconciliation without recognition” in the context of this story?
• What do you think is the connection between the statues and monuments and the recent racial protests?

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