I want to make sure everyone's clear about the essay. You are either arguing that fine art and applied art are equal (parity) or you are arguing that one has a higher status than the other (hierarchy). Those are the two stances you are choosing from. 

This is an on going discussion within the art and design community today. We started discussing Louis the 14th and during that time period fine art was considered a higher status than applied arts. (Look through the book and lectures again) Thus, the constant struggle for others like Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo wanting to demonstrate fine arts and applied arts equality. There are those in the past (whom we've discussed) and those today who strongly believe one side or the other of this debate. 

What side do you strongly belong to? Find the facts to support your opening statement. Do the research.