Deck 16: Travis Timmerman and Dan Demetriou, “Removing Historic Monuments”

Question 1

In his essay, Travis Timmerman affirms that much of the harm "which preservationists would suffer if Confederate monuments were removed crucially depends on them holding certain irrational beliefs or contemptible attitudes." On this basis, he argues that such beliefs and attitudes serves as the basis of their suffering, and as such, their suffering "matters less than the suffering endured by people whose suffering is predicated upon rational beliefs and fitting attitudes." In your essay, explain the argument that Timmerman gives to arrive at this claim. How do you think we might determine which beliefs qualify as "irrational" and which attitudes count as "contemptible?" Does your standard support or challenge Timmerman's view about Confederate monuments?

Answer 1

Clearly and effectively recreate the argument that Timmerman gives in defense of the claim that preservationists' suffering matters less than the suffering of those people whose beliefs and attitudes are rational
Offer a plausible description of the criteria we might employ in order to determine which attitudes and beliefs qualify as irrational and contemptible
Relate these criteria to Timmerman's argument, showing how they support or challenge his view as it relates to the Confederate monument debate

Question 2

In his essay, Dan Demetriou says "tribal rightists, not liberals, leftists, or (least of all) cosmopolitans, are likely to have the best instincts on matters of building social cohesion in ethnically divided polities." In your essay, explain what Demetriou means by this. Then, offer objection to his position. Why might we think that tribal rightists are not the most likely "to have the best instincts on matters of building social cohesion in ethnically divided polities?"

Answer 2

Explain Demetriou's claim that tribal rightists are likely to have the best instincts when it comes to cohesive society building
Develop and defend an objection to Demetriou's view

Question 3

In his reply, Dan Demetriou denies Travis Timmerman's premise that "If x unavoidably harms morally considerable beings who don't deserve to be harmed, then there's strong moral reason to prevent x." In doing so, he offers the example of NBA player Stephen Curry. In your essay, explain Demetriou's example. In your explanation, offer another example that illustrate's Demtriou's point. Finally, defend or object to this claim: Demetriou's example is similar in morally relevant ways to the situations that Timmerman has in mind when he defends this premise.

Answer 3

Explain Demetriou's Stephen Curry example, highlighting the way in which it is meant to undermine Timmerman's premise on harm
Offer an original example that illustrates Demetriou's point
Develop an argument that defends or objects to the claim: Demetriou's example is similar in morally relevant ways to the situations that Timmerman has in mind when he defends his premise on harm

Question 4

In his essay, Timmerman affirms that the majority of Confederate monuments were erected in which two periods?

A) The Civil War and Reconciliation
B) The Civil War and the Civil Rights movement
C) The Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights movement
D) World War I and World War II

Question 5

In his essay, Timmerman offers a historic example to illustrate the nature of the harm that Confederate monuments cause. Which example does he offer?

A) Punk musicians wearing swastikas
B) The government putting slaveowners on currency
C) KKK members wearing white hoods
D) Slaveowners punishing enslaved persons

Question 6

In his essay, Timmerman considers a number of objections his position. Which of the following is NOT one of the objections that he considers?

A) Removing statues erases history
B) Removing statues causes harm to preservationists
C) These statues are works of art with aesthetic value
D) Preserving statues is a natural human right

Question 7

In his essay, Demetriou expresses concern that destroying old tribal identities and encouraging a new multiethnic tribal identity is unacceptably _____:

A) Authoritarian
B) Racist
C) Elitist
D) Idealistic

Question 8

In his essay, Demetriou argues that tribal continuity is not possible without what?

A) Oral histories
B) Family photos
C) Reenacting
D) Memorializing

Question 9

In his essay, Demetriou offers an analogy that helps to illustrate his stance on multicultural states. What is his analogy?

A) An interracial couple decorating their home
B) A pair of immigrant friends on a road trip
C) A brother and sister starting a business
D) An international fair at a public school

Question 10

In his reply, Timmerman outlines a number of areas where he and Demetriou agree. Which of the following is NOT a point where these authors' positions overlap?

A) Removing Confederate monuments need result in the loss of tribal identity and social cohesion
B) We should create additional monuments for people in historically underrepresented groups
C) Political structures should, in some ways, accommodate humans' tribal nature
D) It can be permissible to selectively honor people who have performed grossly wrong moral acts

Question 11

In his reply, Demetriou affirms that there are at least two reasons to maintain monuments that precipitate racist offense. What are they?

A) Achievement of cosmopolitan ideals and representation of the underrepresented
B) Cultural continuity and strengthened economic structures
C) Cultural continuity and preserving people's interest in a multiracial future
D) Honor for the dead and rightful celebration of heroism

Question 12

In his reply, Demetriou denies Timmerman's premise that "If the existence of a monument M unavoidably harms an undeserving group, then there's strong moral reason to end the existence of M."

Question 13

Identify the author who affirms the following in his essay, "gradually, as historical research into ignored or preliterate cultures improves, and as new outstanding citizens arise, the formerly underrepresented peoples should be suitably showcased in the national household"

A) Travis Timmerman
B) Dan Demetriou