Final answer:
The Charlottesville protest was ignited by White nationalism and controversies over Confederate symbols. It led to violent clashes and sparked national conversations on systemic racism and social justice, highlighting legitimate issues in today's society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protest in Charlottesville, VA, was sparked by issues related to White nationalism and the legacy of Confederate symbols in modern society. The rally, which took place on August 12, 2017, was originally organized in part due to the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee. It quickly escalated into violence when White supremacist groups, including Neo-Nazis, clashed with counter-protesters. This culminated in a tragedy when a Neo-Nazi drove his car into a group of peaceful protestors, resulting in the death of a counter-protester. The event raised substantial questions about whether these representations of the Confederacy, such as the Confederate flag, should be protected as free speech or condemned as hate speech. It also led to discussions about systemic racism, police reform, and the role of White nationalism, which are all legitimate issues in today’s society as they relate to racial equality and social justice.