An introduction to the debates on American History American History X An introduction to the debates on American History

”The White House initiative on American History” 2002 Our history is not a story of perfection. It’s a story of imperfect people working toward great ideals. This flawed nation is also a really good nation and the principles we hold are the hope of all mankind. When children are given the real history of America, they will also learn to love America. (George W Bush)

”More often than not teachers present a sour view of American history and that it permeates our past and thus gives students a pessimistic view of history, the present and the future. He suggested there ought to be less emphasis on the teaching of social movement and the dark side of history and more emphasis on individual achievement of…American Heroes. Peter Gibbin, Harvard University.

The Organization of American Historians (2002). ”true patriotism, if that be the goal of the White house initiative, can best arise from a critical- in the best sense of the word-engagement with the past. Situating ”Heroic” persons and their deeds in the complexity of the times in which they lived helps the American people… in their quest to understand their own history.

Continued The better Americans understand their history as a complicated mixture of achievement and failure, the better equipped they will be to confront the difficult realities of the modern world.The richness and power of the American past merits more than simple glorification… flag waving and parades offer… nothing enduring in terms of true education.Atruly inspiring appreciation of the nation’s accomplishments emerges only from a knowledge of its struggles

The Culture Wars' New Front: U.S. History Classes in Texas (2009) The Texas Board of Education, which recently approved new science standards that made room for creationist critiques of evolution, is revising the state's social studies curriculum. Three reviewers appointed by Conservatives on the Board, three appointed by liberals.

Conservative Perspective on Am. History "We're in an all-out moral and spiritual civil war for the soul of America, and the record of American history is right at the heart of it," Rev. Peter Marshall, Christian minister and one of the reviewers appointed by the conservative camp.

Liberals Less sweeping changes but including more diverse role models, especially Latinos, in teaching materials. "We have tended to exclude or marginalize the role of Hispanic and Native American participants in the state's history,"

The “conservative” reviewers believe that children must learn that America's founding principles are biblical. For instance, they say the separation of powers set forth in the Constitution stems from a scriptural understanding of man's fall and inherent sinfulness, or "radical depravity," which means he can be governed only by an intricate system of checks and balances. The curriculum, they say, should clearly present Christianity as an overall force for good -- and a key reason for American exceptionalism, the notion that the country stands above and apart.

”Liberal group” focus on the economic motivation of many colonists and the fractured views of religion among the Founding Fathers.

Some suggestions Replace Thurgood Marshall with Harriet Tubman or Sam Houston. Delete César Chávez from a list of figures who modeled active participation in the democratic process Include more study of religious revival movements Tone down emphasis on the Cold War Add more Latino historical figures Reword references to minorities' "contributions" to society

What should be the emphasis? American values American heores Major attention on the achievements on the U.S. and Europé Foster patriotism Declaration of independence Americas liberation of Europé American Revolution Don’t discuss scholarly conflict More emphasis on individuals Less emphasis on dark side of history Pluralism American Success and failure Understanding of historical processes Collectives social movements Less emphasis on American heroes Less focus on individuals History of Women History of minorities The United States in a global context