If a nation does not teach its own history, it will soon be history. Over the last 50 years educators have warned about the lack of American history instruction in schools. Most recently The Bradley Report stated schools [Quote] “should begin with the study of America’s great ideals, heroes, and achievements, so that its struggles and failures can be put in perspective. A broad-minded, balanced approach to the American story best prepares young people for informed democratic participation. . . . The teaching of American history should be strengthened by including more compelling narratives and primary texts, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the great speeches and debates.[1] [End quote] In the same way, John McWhorter of The Manhattan Institute has worried that America would no longer be an idea, simply an address.
If a nation does not teach its own history, it will soon be history. I am not a fan of the word multiculturalism because it has ground down the need to understand what it means to be an American. Multiculturalism suggests people would rather be known for their differences than their similarities. Nor am I a fan of the word “diversity” because diversity divides, whereas unity unites. “One nation” is key to America’s Pledge of Allegiance; so is the Latin phrase e pluribus Unum on our dollar bills—“out of the many, one.” Sure, every immigrant group in our country’s history has had their difficulties being accepted. But in the past, Chinese, Irish, German, or Nicaraguan emigrants, for example, came to America to be Americans. Schools should broaden their views of American history. Paul Johnson’s The American People or Robert Bennett’s 3-volume series The Last Best Hope—a title based on a quote from Abraham Lincoln—are good places to begin.
If a nation does not teach its own history, it will soon be history. I’ll be blunt: America is one of the few nations in human history built on ideas. If we cease to teach those ideas to our children and school children, the idea will be trampled by a future dictator under his hobnailed boot. Do we ever see people in Miami getting in rickety boats, seeking freedom in Havana, Cuba? Absolutely not. Do we see people in Cuba getting in rickety boats, seeking freedom in Miami? Absolutely yes. Why is that? Because for years people groups have come to be part of the American idea. But American ideas depend on telling the American story. If a nation does not teach its own history, it will soon be history. But a nation which teaches its own history, will also have a future.
For Moody Radio, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found. To be broadcast on Moody Radio, November, 2011.
[1] https://www.bradleyproject.org/EPUReportFinal.pdf, pages 4-5.
Mark your writing speaks to our hearts. Thanks for your gift. Too many schools have dropped teaching American History in the elementary grades to spend more time on ‘dumbed’ down literacy. Perhaps if we taught literacy through the history of our country we would have literate students who could discuss the ideals of America and know what it means to be a citizen of such a great country. Interest is the key to learning and students will want to read when the material is real and meaningful.
My father was an immigrant from Sweden and he was proud to speak English and to live in the land of opportunity. Too bad so many have lost vision of that.
Keep writing Mark. Your words speak volumes. Thanks
Thanks Barbara! LOVE the idea of teaching “literacy through history.” Continue your good work on the path, moving folks forward toward true Truth. I am grateful for your encouragement!
History is, at its core, narrative – So it should be taught is more than just dates, places, and names (Though those are part of its framework). Teachers, I think, need to provide narrative as well – great people, events, and movements. In fact, I imagine that the monotonous repetition of dates, places, and names, with nothing else added, has made many students hate the idea of studying history.