Maya Lin "Vietnam Veterans Memorial"

         Using her work Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Maya Lin makes a statement about veterans and the armed forces, perhaps suggesting that we as citizens don't think about or thank them enough for their service, and that we often disregard and take for granted their efforts. She gets her message across by creating a memorial out of a clear, black, reflective stone that allows passerby to see their reflections along with the names of the fallen, causing them to think more deeply about themselves and their views of soldiers. Her purpose is to make viewers aware of how many people die trying to fight for our country's safety and freedom and thus to make viewers feel indebted to them as well as grateful. Though her architectural work doesn't necessarily have a distinct tone, the mere magnitude of it as well as how many names are engraved in it inspires an awestruck reaction from her audience.

         Questions:

         1. I think the way she designed this memorial is ingenious. The mere vastness of it as well as the extensive list of names is enough to take people's breath away. By listing every single person, Lin points to the importance of each and every soldier, not just those who are deemed "honorable" or "heroic." By using a dark reflective stone, Lin allows viewers to themselves within the list of names, creating a connection between the living and the dead. I think it's a beautiful piece of art.

         2. Again, I think the fact that she included every single soldier's name is supposed to send the message that every soldier is important no matter what they do. Lin labels all soldiers and veterans as heroes. She attempts to create a connection between viewers and veterans in order to create an understanding and appreciation between them. She wants the viewers to appreciate the sacrifices that veterans make and to have more respect for soldiers and the armed forces in general. Perhaps she also lists every soldier's name to show her disapproval for war- the cost of war is much too great if that many people have to die.