The Decline of Historical Thinking

[tech3149]

“The reason that students at Yale and places like it can “afford” to major in history is that they have the luxury of seeing college as a chance to learn about the world beyond the confines of their home towns, and to try to understand where they might fit in…. A nation whose citizens have no knowledge of history is asking to be led by quacks, charlatans, and jingos.
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-decline-of-historical-thinking

I think this article brings up an important point but misses a more important perspective. History is written by the victors, so they say, but shouldn't history reflect the perspective of all? The victor, the vanquished, and the uninvolved all are participants in the events and all are affected by those actual events. I firmly hold to the concept that history is never in the past. What has happened distinctly affects what happens now. If we do not understand history we condemn ourselves to relearning old lessons.

My personal perspective is that most of what we accept as "our history" is more fantasy than fact. I don't accept that the US is some beacon of freedom and always on the side of the angels. I was sold the idea that America was the greatest nation since I was born but learning real history challenged that concept decades ago.

I think it's time we teach real history rather than some feel good fantasy that distorts our perspective of reality.
Start teaching real history in grade school and let us all accept what we have done right and wrong.

[greymattermom]

1. I visited Whitney plantation

near New Orleans recently. I highly recommend it for a view of history that isn't often represented, plantation life from the point of view of the slaves who lived there. Travel and history go together.
http://whitneyplantation.com

[RobinA]

2. I Don't Think

there is "real history" in the sense of - the definitive last word on what happened. Beyond some bare facts. I think the challenge is to teach history from a variety of viewpoints, all with some validity, but none presented as the be all and end all. The winners' view is just as valid as any other participant's view.

[zipplewrath]

3. Two Excellent Reads

"The peoples History of the United States" by Howard Zinn

He is a bit "strident" in his point of view, but it is thought provoking. He suggests some of what you do that the "real" history is the history of the people, not the leaders.

And "Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong" by
James W. Loewen.

It "un-disneyfies" history to a very great deal. It also touches on the reality that much of what is discussed as accomplishments of generals and presidents is actually an "accomplishment" of individuals only occasionally acting in concert.

And if you ever get to France along the Normandy coast, take a swing through St. Marie-Eglise. It is one of the first places liberated and it is a living museum to the airborne soldiers. And unlike many places that focus on the generals, you'll find small plaques all over the place about corporals and privates and the small acts of heroism at those spots.