Thanks for approaching the subject with an open mind. Something we can all learn from.
I think the educators are getting closer to the right balance, at least here in California. The audience is now so diverse that a eurocentric view is not appropriate. But you are correct that the size of the subject has increased enormously.
I believe part of the problem (and not just in this subject) is the way the material is taught. Too much time is spent on memorization, and not enough on relating the material in a way that the kids can connect to. For example, instead of just an in depth studying of the text of the Constitution, why not a mock government, or reenactment of some of the debates on the Constitutions wording? Possibly relating the subject back to some of the current events?
Yes, I agree that the textbook creators should not go overboard with PC history. My middle schoolers still are taught all the traditional history; early explorers, Virginia Dare and Roanoke, Jamestown, the Mayflower, etc etc. It's just not as, well, glorified and whitewashed as it was when I was young.
A population that is wiped out whether by small pox, sword or other cause has no voice in history.
But we still remember Hannibal, and learn from his life. Were he not written of, and honored, by his enemy the Romans, then his history and wisdom would indeed have been lost. |
