Question

Construct an argument using the claims and evidence from the article. Should Notre Dame display the Christopher Columbus paintings?

A) Yes, they should display the paintings as they represent historical significance.
B) No, they should not display the paintings to respect the feelings of those offended.
C) Display the paintings with context and explanations to provide a balanced perspective.
D) Remove the paintings entirely to avoid controversy.

Answer 1

When deciding whether Notre Dame should display the Christopher Columbus paintings, arguments can be made to support displaying them for historical significance, not displaying them to avoid offending others, displaying them with context, or removing them completely.

Step-by-step explanation:

When deciding whether Notre Dame should display the Christopher Columbus paintings, there are several arguments to consider:

1. Yes, they should display the paintings as they represent historical significance: Proponents argue that Columbus is an important historical figure and the paintings serve as a reminder of his impact on world history.
2. No, they should not display the paintings to respect the feelings of those offended: Critics argue that Columbus's actions had negative consequences for indigenous peoples, and displaying his paintings would be insensitive and hurtful to those affected.
3. Display the paintings with context and explanations to provide a balanced perspective: Some suggest that displaying the paintings with educational context and explanations could be a way to acknowledge both the historical significance and the controversial aspects of Columbus's legacy.
4. Remove the paintings entirely to avoid controversy: Others believe that the best solution is to remove the paintings altogether to avoid any controversy or offense.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to display the Christopher Columbus paintings at Notre Dame should consider multiple perspectives, weighing historical significance, sensitivity to those offended, and the potential for providing a balanced perspective through context and explanations.

Answer 2

The question of whether Notre Dame should display the Christopher Columbus paintings is multifaceted, involving historical significance, cultural sensitivity, and art's influence. A balanced approach is suggested, with contextual information accompanying the artwork, to address both educational value and respect for impacted communities.

Step-by-step explanation:

When deliberating whether Notre Dame should display the Christopher Columbus paintings, it is imperative to weigh the different perspectives and the broad impact of art in society. The historical significance of art cannot be understated, as the aesthetic and symbolic aspects of Notre Dame, such as the chimeras and gargoyles, have educated and influenced viewers for centuries. Insisting on historical accuracy and educational value, one might argue that the paintings should be displayed to reflect Notre Dame's historical context.

Conversely, acknowledging the harm and offense Columbus's legacy has inflicted on Indigenous communities sparks the question of the appropriateness of such displays. As recounted by anthropologists and historians, the debates on the preservation of cultural artifacts and their presentation are complex. One middle-ground solution is to display the paintings with context and explanations, providing a balanced perspective that both acknowledges the historical significance and the contentious legacy of Columbus.

Art's power to communicate ideas and influence attitudes has been highlighted by Timothy Snyder and reflected in instances such as the concealment of Picasso's Guernica at the U.N. This underscores the importance of responsible representation and interpretation of visual culture. Therefore, a nuanced approach that educates the public while respecting the sensitivities of affected groups seems most prudent.