Lynching11 unread reply.11 reply.*This week’s topic is a sensitive one. Please be mindful of

Lynching11 unread reply.11 reply.*This week’s topic is a sensitive one. Please be mindful of the fact that some people in the class may have ancestors who were victims of lynching. Furthermore, I am aware of the fact that the teaching of history has become a political point of contention among some. There are people who believe that teaching this kind of subject matter is the equivalent of teaching students to “hate America.” That simply is not the case. It is our patriotic duty to know our past, good and bad, so that we may continue to better realize the promises of the Declaration of Independence.
*A Note on Language: Many historical sources refer to black Americans as “Negro” or “colored.” It is best to avoid these terms in your own writing unless they appear in a direct quotation because they are offensive to many. This may be seen as “political correctness,” but frankly I just see it as being respectful to others. Why, purposefully or not, offend people when it’s just not necessary? The terms Black and African American are preferred.
Initial Post is due Thursday, September 2.
Response Posts are due Sunday, September 5.
Follow the Netiquette rules outlined on the syllabus. You are expected to write in a reasonably formal manner (i.e., do not write the way you would text. Use proper capitalization, grammar, and spelling), but you are allowed to use emoticons.
See the Discussion Post Rubric under Pages for an idea of how discussions are graded. 
1. Examine the following websites and listen to the song.
https://withoutsanctuary.org (Links to an external site.) [WARNING: Disturbing Content] — examine at least 3 photos and read the stories that accompany them (if applicable)
https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/erased-lynchings-82027 (Links to an external site.) 
https://kengonzalesday.com/projects/erased-lynchings/ (Links to an external site.) 
Billie Holiday, “Strange Fruit” (3:19 minutes) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DGY9HvChXk (Links to an external site.) 

2. Make a post of 200-400 words responding to the following questions: What purpose did lynching postcards, souvenirs, etc. serve? What purpose did lynching itself serve? How could otherwise “normal” (white) people find this acceptable? Why would they participate in the spectacle of lynching?