Finkelpearl Maya Lin

I'd like you to think about the practice of alphabetizing names in a list and what the overall effect of this action is. Come up with three alternative methods of organizing the names from the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial - these can be based on any information that the U.S. Armed Services is likely to have access to. So, for example, organizing the names in groups by blood type would fit, but organizing the names based on favorite color would not.

For each alternate method, describe the method and then write about 50 words that discusses what kinds of insight on the nature of the Vietnam war would be either gained or lost by shifting the organization scheme. Aim for at least one serious suggestion for a different organization of the data as well as less effective or even silly suggestions. I'm more interested in hearing how your thinking on this point is evolving more than trying to solve a problem that Lin already found a good solution for!