Thursday, February 12, 2015

Are Schools Teaching History or Propaganda?

Much of what has happened in the history of the United States is omitted or watered down. I remember studying about Helen Keller in school, but there were things about her life that are not mentioned. It was not until recently that I learned that she was a radical socialist who supported Eugene V. Debs in his runs for the presidency. She was also a supporter of unions. Nothing about her radical activism is mentioned in schools. The lyrics of "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie were watered down. Originally it contained verses dealing with poverty and inequality. The original intent of the song is not mentioned when the song is discussed in school. I am sure that the United States is not the only country where events that are considered inconvenient are not mentioned. Contributions to our culture by non-white people and members of the LGBTQ communities are often omitted or have "inconvenient" elements ignored. The full story of Rosa Parks is not taught in schools. She was a secretary in the NAACP. It was not because of fatigue that she did not move to the back of the bus. One of the most influential figures in 20th Century music, Nadia Boulanger is only mentioned as having taught composition to male composers. Her own music is rarely performed, and they are not mentioned in most classrooms. According to what is taught in schools only white heterosexual males make history. This needs to change. We are told that schools are teaching history, but it seems more like propaganda.


No comments:

Post a Comment