American History

» pink101 - Our Public Schools

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Our public schools are involved in a controversy regarding the way American History is being taught.
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I have been doing some research into the arguments for the pro and the con side of the controversy. I see that the way history is being taught leaves a lot to be desired plus the fact that it appears it is a major problem for the development of a concerned and active citizenry. "The historian Howard Zinn states, 'We can reasonably conclude that how we think is not just mildly interesting, not just a subject for intellectual debate, but a matter of life and death.'"
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I found this quotation at this site:
http://glenninstitute.osu.edu/washington...
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The paper is a short presentation and it is highly recommended.
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It is more than worthy of discussion.
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-- posted by pink101

» Mary Trotter Kion - Our Public Schools

In response to Our Public Schools posted by pink101:

Pink,
Thank you for this interesting info. Have you considered my offer as a guest writer on this subject? I hope you do.
Mary Trotter Kion

» pink101 - Tangled Web

In response to Our Public Schools posted by lastword:
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I have considered it. First, it is important that I get a set of references together.
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I have decided to check out both sides of the controversy and I am beginning to see that it is deeper than what one might have thought at first consideration. It looks like capitalism and Marxism might be involved. "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we set out to deceive." Who said that?
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-- posted by pink101

» pink101 - American History Is Alive

In response to Tangled Web posted by pink101:
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Our American ancestors were deep into iconographic representations of their feelings. We can see that American History is alive.
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There is a revolutionary flag with a picture of a coiled rattlesnake on it. The rattles are raised in warning and the head is poised for a possible strike with the mouth open and the fangs--with their deadly poison--barred and ready in defense. Under the snake are the words, "Don't Tread On Me."
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Seems like an unlikely icon for Liberty; but, think about it.
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The rattle snake doesn't go hunting for victims. Instead, it likes to be left alone to its own devices. It is not an agressive being; but, if it is bothered to the extent that if you should happen to step on it--be prepared to be bitten.
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With its rattles, it warns you to stay away from it. With its head raised, it's telling you that it will defend its being. So, the backwoods colonists, all of whom were very familiar with the rattle snake, developed this icon to warn the oppressors not to step on them as they lived in Liberty.
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That was only one of the icons around which our ancestors rallied.
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-- posted by pink101

» Mary Trotter Kion - Tangled Web

In response to Tangled Web posted by pink101:

I don't know who said that interesting quote but if you happen to find the source please let me know.
Thanks, Mary

» Mary Trotter Kion - Snake Flag

In response to American History Is Alive posted by pink101:

Very interesting. Then again, our American ancestors, as well as Euorpean ancestors, could at times be like snakes in the grass.
Thanks, Mary

» pink101 - Snake Flag

In response to Snake Flag posted by lastword:
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Right. And, you wouldn't want to step on one of them.
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:)
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Would you?
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-- posted by pink101

» Mary Trotter Kion - Snake Flag

In response to Snake Flag posted by pink101:

Pink,
History proves that one out nicely, doesn't it? There's lots of snakes out there just waiting to strike the innocent.
Mary

» pink101 - The Innocent

In response to Snake Flag posted by lastword:
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But, the Brits weren't innocent, were they.
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I never knew what a role iconography played in the beginning years of our society until I started reading David Fischer's book, Liberty and Freedom.
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-- posted by pink101