When it comes to history, very few outside of the university level of a history major, truly understand that revisions have been made across the board for years, in order to frame a “message” rather than to teach about the past. Some professors believe that history is for the “elite” (those who have a minimum of a four-year degree), and that the “masses” (the “rest of the population”) would be overwhelmed if they were to learn the “truth” – it is also of note that most of these individuals are political “Progressives”. One need only look at a history book from 1955, to understand the broad changes that were made in the 1970’s forward. History morphed from a single subject to the broader social studies, which takes a deep look at how decisions made by some, directly impact society.
Anyone over a certain age (40) knows that history was taught to be dates and facts about the glory of the United States. There was little to no mention of women in history, with the notable exceptions. Additionally, culture was not addressed. With the design to address cultural and social issues as they relate to history, the changes made over the years have startled some, but for the most part, have gone unnoticed by the majority. The U.S. was studiously painted as a villain, and suddenly those who were lauded as heroes, were found to be evil incarnate (See Christopher Columbus in new textbooks).
The Texas State Board of education made some conscious decisions to tweak the textbooks to include some figures which have been pushed to the wayside, disclude others with whom they felt were not necessary, and on cultural issues, chose to ignore the musical form of “hip-hop”.
Some revisions are: (Texas Statesman:
Civil rights movement
• Among his recommended revisions was a reference to the changes and events that resulted from the movement, "including increased participation of minorities in the political process and unrealistic expectations for equal outcomes."
America is Exceptional
• "The section in the high school U.S. government standards will explore why American values are unique from those of other nations and touch on Alexis de Tocqueville's five values crucial to America's success as a democratic republic.
Words Matter
• In all grades, most references to "capitalism" were eliminated. The term has a negative connotation, said Ken Mercer, R-San Antonio. Instead, the U.S. economic system is defined throughout as a "free enterprise" system.
• The standards were once littered with references to the U.S. as a democracy. No more. In an early draft, the U.S became a "democratic republic" but now will be termed a "constitutional republic."
• American "imperialism" in an early draft of the high school U.S. history standards became "expansionism" because the original term projected an inaccurately negative view of American policy. The word "propaganda" will be stricken in reference to America's entry into World War I.
The Middle East
• High school world history students will be expected to "explain how Arab rejection of the State of Israel has led to ongoing conflict" and no longer will be asked to "explain the origins and impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on global politics".
All revisions will be available online here at the Texas Board of Education.
The hue and cry that has been raised is based on the premise that Texas holds sway over the nations text book manufactures, as the state purchase the largest percentage of text books nationwide. That said, most states can no longer afford to purchase new textbooks, and many cities, refuse to supply students with textbooks, as they may become “lost” and they are too expensive to replace – ergo no homework (May account for some higher than average drop-out rates).
As the President produces national standards for education that has the Commonwelath of Massachusetts up in arms, as too low, one has to wonder why the Texas Board of Education’s decision to change their curriculum, has been such a huge story – after all, Texas, along with other states, will be required to follow standardized material handed down by the U.S. Government – albeit, lower standards.
Some truths about history and historians: From Social Studies textbooks to Presidential biographies, history is, as one might say, in the eye of the beholder. Generally speaking these books are written by individuals how have a specific political point of view, rather than a scientific point of view. History should be approached as a science, whereby certain facts are affirmed through the written record, and similar studies such as archeology. It’s dry stuff, boring to the point of tears for many. However, that said, those Historians who write the biographies, will either place the subject in a grand light or make the subject appear to be the worst of villains, all based on an individual political perspective. How easy it is to write and leave out facts that may either enhance or detract from one’s subject or one’s “cause”. That is exactly what has happened over the years, and the Texas Board has done nothing more or less than any other “group” that has played fast and loose with the education of the general public.
From this perspective, textbooks should be tested for fact over opinion, and fact-checked to include all specifics of an historical event or personage. As to adding hip-hop culture into a textbook – from this perspective, the hip-hop culture has done nothing to elevate the nation, and if it were to be included should point out how it denigrates women, and has had little positive impact on society. That said most hip-hop is great on the dance floor – who doesn’t like rap? Once one gets through all the expletives, it’s music, an art-form of sorts, but the impact of “hip-hop” on our culture, has yet to be determined, it is “too new” from this perspective, to be “history”.
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