Text 1
Public monuments must serve as enduring symbols of shared community values. When a city commissions a new sculpture or memorial, it should select designs that represent a clear consensus of its residents’ historical identity. Only by reflecting widely accepted cultural narratives can public art foster social cohesion and a unified sense of belonging among diverse urban populations.
Text 2
Monuments that merely reflect existing consensus run the risk of becoming functionally invisible, blending into the urban landscape without sparking critical thought. True civic engagement occurs when public art actively challenges dominant historical narratives. By presenting unconventional or even controversial designs, monuments provoke necessary dialogue and encourage residents to confront overlooked aspects of their history.
Match each claim from Text 1 with its corresponding counterargument or qualification from Text 2.
- Public monuments must reflect a consensus to build social cohesion.Consensus-based art becomes invisible and fails to engage the public.
- Monument designs should reinforce widely accepted cultural narratives.Art should actively challenge dominant historical perspectives.
- Municipal commissions should prioritize creating a unified sense of identity.Monuments should utilize unconventional designs that spark dialogue.