Reform How History Is Taught | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

U.S. History Classes Need To Stop Using Their Personal Agendas To Teach Proper American History

History is timeless.

16
George Dolgikh/Pexels
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-blue-jacket-sitting-on-chair-near-table-reading-books-1326947/

History is the continuous, typically chronological, the record of important or public events or of a particular trend or institution. However, this area of study consists of numerous levels and purposes that this definition does not portray. History is not only composed of the preeminent events that our country and other countries among us choose to share, but it is also the basis for the study of how humans interact, progress and regress. It is the pinnacle resource for the justification of arguments and debates. History shapes the youth into individuals. It helps guide their developing moral compass in ways that no other subject or person can.

When we study history, there are three major concepts that should be left in the mind of the student after every discussion, lecture and assignment.

1. The ability to set aside their own morals and ethics to understand a plethora of point of views
2. The ability to see historical events on a spectrum
3. The need to dig deeper into issues that appear to be one-dimensional.

For these reasons, history should be taught in a way that depicts all of its values regardless of their dwelling. There are many key elements of history that are not being taught solely because it paints a different picture of America that America doesn't want to see.

For example, the oversimplification of "Columbus Day" in which Christopher Columbus is depicted as this wonderful explorer instead of colonizer who murdered natives out of greed. Or the classification of 9/11 as the worst event in history (although it was very impactful and a sad time in American history) when in comparison, the U.S. invaded the Middle East a number of times for oil whilst killing Americans based on unconfirmed possibilities of them being terrorists.

History can often be taught in ways that condition students' minds to view history with their morals at the forefront of their discussion. However, this can be troubling as past events cannot be compared with the same depth to present events. In a typical social studies class, students are expected to memorize event dates and the assumption of why the general public viewed this event as either bad or good; win or lose.

This is problematic because it provides students with the notion that the events are always one-sided. It doesn't allow the student to accurately assess episodes from the perspective of the both sides without categorizing one as the perpetrator and the other as the defender. Historical affairs should be viewed on a spectrum. The way in which history is taught throughout the world is not uniform to the content and methods that are taught in other parts of the world. We should be able to travel the world and construct and deconstruct our views on history based on the ways that they perceive historical events, whilst still being able to construct our own views.

In modern society, the need to dig deeper into historical incidents or developing history is so that we don't continue out into the world with surface level or erroneous information. Without this skill, our justification for our ethics and arguments would be more do based on our version of facts rather than balanced evidence.

When history is taught with optimal consideration of the students' perspectives and the intent to challenge them to grow, then it will propel the youth to conduct existential thoughts beyond their beliefs of their country.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191101
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15373
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458212
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26801
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments