Flags, Memorials and Meanings, Free Speech

Socratic Questions
Name: Student F

1. What is the meaning behind a flag? Is it a symbol or just material?

I think the flag is a symbol of freedom and the men and women who gave the
ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

2. Is there a difference between a flag and a memorial? If yes, how so?

A flag is a symbol of the country it flies in and the american flag is a symbol of the
men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. A memorial represents
a specific time in history.

3. Should there be a Constitutional Amendment against flag burning or desecration?

I’m in the middle because I feel like if we did, it’d interfere with the 1st amendment,
but I also don’t agree with burning or desecrating the flag.

4. Is it respectable that people kneel during the National Anthem? Should the NFL put
restrictions on players doing this?
I feel that it is disrespectful to kneel for the flag because it disrespects the men
and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The NFL is their own company, they can do
whatever they want.

5. Does a Constitutional Amendment on flag desecration take away freedom of speech and
expression?
I think it does take away from the 1st amendment because it is your freedom of
speech, even though I don’t agree with it.

6. Is standing for the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem your responsibility as a U.S.
citizen?
I don’t think it’s your responsibility but I think that it is respectful to stand for the
pledge or National Anthem.
 7. What path should the United States take with Confederate memorials? Take them down,
preserve them for education, or rebuild counter-narrative monuments while leaving the
Confederacy ones in place?
I would leave them up for educational purposes because if we don’t educate the
youth on this stuff, history can possibly repeat itself because they won’t know that it’s
wrong.

8. Should other memorials like Mount Rushmore be taken down as well? Explain.
No, because it shows some of the most important presidents in history.

9. What does Freedom of Speech look like in 2023? Are all actions or words protected
under the First Amendment?
We have more rights than we used to with freedom of speech. Not all actions and
words are protected, as long as you don’t break any laws or cause a disturbance to a
group of people that may cause panic.

10. Has Freedom of Speech changed over time? Have all demographics been able to use
their constitutional right to free speech, no matter the setting?
It has changed. I feel that we have more rights of what we can say now than we did
just 50 years ago.

11. Should books be banned in schools (whether it's in one school, the whole school district,
or the whole state)? Or does this begin to infringe on the First Amendment right of free
speech, and free press? And if so, who should be making these decisions?
It should be determined by grade level and environment.

12. Should Social Media outlets be able to ban or censor their users? Why?
Yes, because it is their app and they make the rules and you agree to them when
you make an account.
 13. How are people held liable for what they say, post, or do? Should your boss be able to
fire you for what you posted on social media. Why?
They are representing where they work and they can be held liable for what they
say/post.

14. Should a business be able to refuse service to someone based on their religious beliefs?
I’m in the middle with this. It is their business so they can refuse business. But it
does interfere with the customers right of religion.