Key Question: How is the study of history an ideological act?
Starter 9.17: Thinking about Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee:
What does it mean if these histories go untold? What does it mean if they DO get told? What does it have to do with who WE ARE (America, that is) in the political present?
Discuss Starter and Reading: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Chapter 1
How does this version of American history differ from how you have traditionally learned it?
Why is it important to look at this version of history?
What does it mean for the present if these stories get told?
What does it mean for the present if they don’t?
What is “Manifest Destiny”? How did Dee Brown define it?
Does this ideology continue in the present? How so?
Check out this source: History Channel historian
It’s complicated! Beware of history that oversimplifies the past and makes it seem like Americans used to always agree on stuff! There has always been disagreement and ideological diversity. Perhaps this is part of what makes America beautiful?
Tambien La Lluvia: Share out
How did we draw the throughline to the present?
Why the title?
Does this film have an agenda? Is this a biased piece of rhetoric?
What are the arguments in favor of celebrating Columbus Day?
What are the benefits/problems with taking a more cynical view of history?
What are the benefits/problems with taking a more patriotic view of history?
Why does it matter in the present?
DISCUSS
What do we think about the idea that historical figures should be celebrated for their greatest accomplishments and not their worst atrocities?
Where else do we see this phenomenon nowadays?
Should Columbus be “cancelled”?
Should other “heroes” with blood on their hands?
“America the Beautiful,” (8.23.19) by Bret Stephens
This was a response to the 1619 project, which we will be looking at next week…
1st time: Jessica reads it
2nd time: You read and annotate for things that strike you. Mark passages that will help you discuss the following questions with your peers in small groups:
“America the Beautiful” DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What questions do you have?
Why did Hamilton Warren open the Verde Valley School? How does the author use this as a symbol for America? (Why does he call it “surely the most American” boarding school?)
According to the author, what makes America unique?
Why does he discuss the atrocities/injustices of the past in conjunction with celebrating foundational principles?
What does he want us to see about America? What is his thesis?
Would you say Bret Stephens’ view of history is more patriotic or cynical? What is the evidence?
What does this have to do with our deconstruction of the patriotic/cynical binary?