I posted the link (Cliff's notes)in my previous entry but in case you haven't read it there it is once more. This issue has actually been on my mind all day. I don't know how anyone could get behind the idea if the conversation for changes went something along the lines of "Let's try and detract from Thomas Jefferson's influence, shine the spotlight a little more on the militant side of the civil right's movement and try and justify McCarthyism a bit to give it it's proper due." You can't rewrite history to suit your purpose!
A Checklist of changes:
- Resistance to addition of more Latino figures as role models and leaders in Texas history
- A decrease in emphasis on separation of church and state and a questioning of the secular nature of the American Revolution
- A look at the more violent prone figures of the Civil Right's movement (along with a trumpeteering of Republican policy during the CRM)
- A less racist view of the Japanese internment camps during WWII - Hey, Italians and Germans were there too!!
- What about all the good things McCarthy did?
- Replacing the term "capitalism" with "free enterprise system" because as Terri Leo points out, “Let’s face it, capitalism does have a negative connotation. You know, ‘capitalist pig!’ ”
- A decreased view of Thomas Jefferson's works as an inspiration for revolution in the late 18th and 19th century.
- A more favorable view of Nixon's work with China (I actually don't have a huge problem with that)
History is not black and white and it certainly isn't always a matter of right and wrong. It's muddy and grey and that's the whole point. There are instances of complete heroism as well as instances of pure evil (though many times they are few and far between). The scarcity is what makes those instances so noteworthy. History is grey because it is affected by humanity's touch. All people can do is make the best decision with the information available to them. You hope that after your lot has been cast you end up on the bright side of history. If however, you do not, you must own that as well. Our history is not a collection of "what's?" but rather "why's?". "Why" something happened is the reason history lovers can debate, discuss and remain captivated by their passion.
I worry that this action by the Texas School Board of Education is rooted in a deep disorientation by members who have been poisoned by the recent, historical bickering. It is as if their best way to justify their cause is by tearing down the opposition. Like abortion, (yes, it's a bomb of a comparison) the standstill created has led to flat out name calling and takes people further away from intelligible conversation, much less any form of agreement. It just seems like everything got so personal.
If it were dreamt up by a group of people (as is the case) I suppose America could look as flawless as they choose. I would say that a predominant amount of my personal, memorable history comes with me far from my best. The stories I carry with me involve missing my mark, disappointment and poor decisions. It would be convenient but tragic if I could simply wave my hand and remember them a different way. I could put a nice bow on them all and admire the pretty picture. In that blissful picture, I would lose the truth, the lesson and the growth that came of it. In the very best of lights you could call the Texas SBOE's actions misguided. They aim to take away precisely what a completely pleasant story is in want of -- the truth, the lesson and the growth.
The errors they are bringing about in this whole mess are of the worst nature. This is because the worst mistakes are ones that affect those around them. We, as Texans, pay for these stupid amendments. They embarrass us and injure our reputation. They make us look ignorant and foolish. They will inevitably lead to a lot of misguided teaching as well if nothing is done.
Bravo!
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