Throughout the course of our Socratic circle there were many valid points made as well a mixture of insights that added to the depth of the issue. The conversation allowed for everyone to share their own beliefs and everyone should be extolled for their input.
The textbook issue presents controversy in the field of education, which will ultimately come to rest due to a majority vote not a quiet agreement. Bias is a factor that cannot be stripped from the issue let alone the book, because it presents itself in to any article of writing. The idea of an objective textbook isn’t plausible in the sense there is little unbiased truths throughout history. If one only regards the dates and the facts that meet the criteria of being black and white, the impact of history will be lost and indeed will not be “history”. History by definition is a “chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes”. Explanation would involve biases and the purpose of objective textbooks wouldn’t be functional. As a result I believe the best option in order to settle the problem would to have neutral authors that may occasionally add in their opinion but not skew the entire course of history like an author of Huey Long or Barry Goldwater’s stature would.
Even though there is an emphasis on prominent events in history, there too should be a mention of the secondary events. As well as a stress on the details of multiethnic impact on history and the role played throughout it. No ethnic group is greater than the other and therefore credit is needed to be given to each. Although one may receive more than the other based off important events, we still must remember we are all one. No longer shall the rich industrial cooperate business man who resides as wealthy overshadow those accomplishments of the migrant farm worker who pledges for their beliefs. The ideas of equality should be shared throughout history books as well as all events that have shaped the world into what it is today. The minority has an opinion just as the majority and everyone’s voice deserves to be heard. History has been known to be written in the view of the victor as well, however with every side there is a different perception, whether been tainted by propaganda, manipulation, or freewill, it deserves to be voiced. No matter where an individual is placed on a map at a given time, a person is a person. We feel we believe we live and their story should be shared. History books would be considered fair if light was shown from all outlets instead of the prominent one.
Bagely wow this is such a calm, clear, explanation of your thoughts. Its nice to hear your opinion without it being shot down midsentence…:) I like how you point out that bias is an unavoidable issue since after all things are decided by a majority therefore a bias. Therefore you said the minority loses its chance to have a say in history. I agree with you that there are two parts to history the facts which are black and white and the explanations which are gray. And as you said these are both necessary for understanding. I like how you state that the minority voice is still important and their significant events are just as important despite their minority status. I found it interesting that you defined a fair text book as one where light is shed on all sorts of events not just the events of the majority. I have to wonder if the council of conservative republicans would cede that also since they are, as they said, concerned with fairness and balance.
ReplyDeleteGood job Beighley!!! As Cassie said in her first sentece, I also like being able to hear your thoughts on this topic... I agree with you in that the textbooks should be fair, and include each side of a story. The minority also have an opinion and I believe they should be heard as well. I really liked your use of examples. You are right in that balance is when you put the same amount of explanation on each side, and not eliminating the minority's voice. You did a great job in emphasizing your ideas and thoughts. I really enjoyed hearing your point of view.
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