"The past is prologue" -– William Shakespeare
"American exceptionalism–the United States as the best country in the world–which starts in our textbooks with the Pilgrims, gets projected into the future." –Loewen, 284
Faith, Hope and Change. Progress. Buzz words in American thought and politics in our times. Loewen points out the unbridled hope that we as Americans consistently have effused, the archetype of progress that "bursts forth in full flower on the tetbooks' last pages."(282) I can concede that the typical portrayal of our country and it's history is one of hope and progress. Things have been bad, but they will get better. We are moving on to bigger and better things. Manifest Destiny has been regurgitated and repackaged. Though it is getting more difficult to believe, I do not agree with Loewen when he writes, "gradually the archetype of progress has been losing it's grip."(284) Just watch one of the latet presidential debates and you will hear the rhetoric of "getting us back on track" and "moving us into the future". Which track exactly are we on? What future are we moving in to? They speak as if we all know and it is inevitable.
As well, Loewen addresses once again the end of American history textbooks. This time he asks the question why we do not address and question the future of America. The books almost all end with optimistic hopes for our country. Yet, why paint such a picture? Why not rather end by bringing students up to current debate and problems and invite them to reflect on the America they will be inheriting and how they can use history to help solve these problems.
Big Question: How can I get students to end my classes with modern day problems and challenges and challenge them to find answers in history?
Source: http://fwwsite.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wpcontent/uploads/2012/02/GECornCerealPreview.jpg
Link:http://www.dowwaterandprocess.com/launch/worldwaterday/map/index.html#misc
We take water for granted, but for many people it is life and death. This is an interactive map about global water issues.
No comments:
Post a Comment