Americans and their Flag (Part 2)

In our last class, we discussed the essays and compared your opinions with your classmates. We then watched a few videos about flag burning and the debate over the proper treatment of the American flag. We also analyzed the patriotic images shown in the videos. The videos from class can be found here and here.

Now, read this online opinion piece about the right of Americans to burn the flag. You may read the entire web page if you wish, or skip to the section entitled, "Flag Burning is our Patriotic Duty." Note the source of the article and the tone of the writing. Once you have read the article once, complete this reading comprehension activity.

Now that you have seen and read about different perspectives on the American flag, your final assignment for this unit is to write a 5-page essay discussing the following:

1) If and how your views of American patriotism have changed due to the in-class discussions and online activities.
2) Your opinion on the appropriate use of national symbols.

You may use examples regarding both American and German national symbols. This will be due in class next Friday.