Posted: March 18th, 2023

Proper Way to Display the Flag

Instructions for What is the Proper Way to Display the Flag Introduction: What is the Proper Way to Display the Flag is a Discussion Board assignment that asks you to utilize both passive and active seeing. Many of you will have a strong reaction to the image in this assignment. As you engage in Academic Discourse and discuss the image, remember that opinions will vary, and everyone has a right to an opinion. Academic Discourse is the practice of using language for scholarship. This means that while engaged in discussion on a forum, users respect each other’s opinion, use scholarly language (unit vocabulary and no foul language), and strive for a higher level of comprehension. Learning objectives of this assignment: Differentiate between passive and active seeing Utilize active seeing Describe the roles that artists most often assume when they engage in the creative process Look up “What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag,” Dred Scott, 1988. This is included in your textbook as Fig. 25-20.
Task I: Look in your text at Fig. 25-20, (go to Chapter 25 in your REVEL e-textbook and click on the section The Critical Process) “What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag?” **(please note: the title of the work is “What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag?”, but answering that question is not the objective of the assignment.) Answer this question: Would you write in book? Task II: Research the artist, his life, and his background. Who was Dred Scott and why does the artist assume the moniker “Dread Scott Tyler?” What is the artist trying to say with this installation? Determine which role this artist has assumed. Explain your answer. Has your decision to write or not write in the book changed? As you write, remember the concept of “active seeing” discussed in your text. ** Cite two research sources.
Task III: Create a thread in the Discussion Board. Post your written assignment. Task IV: Respond to at least one classmate. Be sure that your response is a meaningful one, one that elevates the discussion. ** Keep in mind that this is an academic forum where ideas should be freely spoken and respectfully exchanged. Everyone has a right to an opinion. Rude or threatening comments will result in expulsion from the Discussion Board for the remainder of the semester.

Task I

I would not write in the book. I believe that the artist is trying to make a statement about the state of America. The flag is a symbol of America, and the artist is showing how it is being desecrated. The book is a symbol of knowledge, and the artist is showing how it is being ignored. I believe that the artist is trying to start a conversation about the state of America, and I would not want to contribute to that conversation by writing in the book.

Task II

Dread Scott Tyler is an artist who was born in 1961. He is known for his work that explores issues of race, class, and social justice. The name “Dread Scott” is a reference to Dred Scott, a slave who sued for his freedom in the 1850s. Tyler’s installation “What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag?” is a critique of the way that the flag is often used to promote patriotism and nationalism. The installation consists of a photomontage of images of American flags being desecrated, along with a book of blank pages and a 3’x5′ American flag on the ground. Visitors to the installation are invited to write their responses to the question “What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag?” on the flag or in the book.

Task III

The artist is trying to say that the flag is not a symbol of unity or patriotism, but rather a symbol of division and oppression. The images of the flag being desecrated represent the ways in which the flag has been used to justify violence and discrimination. The book of blank pages represents the lack of dialogue about these issues. The artist is inviting visitors to the installation to write their own responses to the question of how the flag should be displayed. By doing so, the artist is hoping to start a conversation about the meaning of the flag and the role it plays in American society.

The artist has assumed the role of a social critic. He is using his art to challenge the way that people think about the flag and the country it represents. The artist is hoping to start a conversation about these issues and to raise awareness of the ways in which the flag has been used to promote injustice.

Task IV

I believe that the artist is successful in his goal of starting a conversation about the state of America. The installation has been controversial, and it has sparked a lot of discussion about the meaning of the flag and the role it plays in American society. The artist has successfully used his art to raise awareness of these issues.

I would like to respond to the following classmate’s comment:

“I think the artist is being disrespectful to the flag. The flag is a symbol of our country, and it should be treated with respect.”

I understand your point of view. The flag is a symbol of our country, and it is important to many people. However, I believe that the artist is trying to make a point about the way that the flag has been used to promote injustice. The artist is not trying to be disrespectful to the flag, but rather to challenge the way that people think about it.

I believe that it is important to have a conversation about the meaning of the flag and the role it plays in American society. The artist has successfully started this conversation, and I believe that it is a conversation that we need to have.