We? What...did you have access to some time machine? How many slaves exactly did you own? Or was it your neighbors that owned them that you didnt speak out loudly enough against?
Look...people all across the world...not just this country were speaking out against slavery and promoting change. The 'peculiar institution' was under attack by society and growth. History proves that to be correct. The total historical perspective of slavery including its origins and where it is being practiced STILL should be taught.
Which has nothing to do with what we did. We did in fact have slavery. And civil rights is less than 100 years old here. We can't pretend such has not be the case.
We again...so...French then?
Thats kinda the problem and one of the reasons why we continue to have the racial problems we have. You are ashamed of the history of people 200 years ago. There ar epeople that have throughout our history capitalized on your guilt and on incitng others to rage over a history that 1-they didnt experience, 2-they shared with people throughout the world, and 3-ignore the fact that their ancesotrs did the same thing and in many cases still are.
You and yours can just roll in your self loathing for eternity for all the good it will do you. And as long as the continue to teach a slanted and closed version of history you will still have black kids from the suburbs 7 and 8 generations removed from slavery (if their families were ever even involved in it...on either the BEING or the OWNING side) living in upper middle income environments still channeling the spirit of Kunta Kinte.
Its 2008...errr...I mean 2012...time to grow a little bit.
I would not argue the civil war was fought over slavery, but instead how southern states want slaves counted both ways, as slaves, keeping them as slsaves, property, and as people to help with representation. The point is, we sadly were not as opposed to slavery as we should have considering our rethoric concerning freedom.
As for feelings, we all have to look back on our past, and we're likley to have feelings about it, be it our personal past or our national past. It is merely human nature to have feelings. I've done things I wouldn't change that I feel bad about, even though I learned. I suspect I'm not alone with that type of feeling. This can be true concerning our nation. We've done things as a nation we should not feel proud about. And it is good to have those things see the light of day and to remind ousrselves that we can do bad things. We're human, not perfect, and if we don't pay attention and stay vigilant, we can do wrong in hurry.
And what you ask be taught is what is taught. However, you seem to be asking that it be taught with a more positive spin, meaning to me that perhaps you can how you feel about it. I could be wrong of course, so I'm not saying I know this is the case for sure. But there really isn't any significant hysteria to any measurable degree.
Our ancestors wrote uor history. We can't ingore it or pretend it didn't happen. My grandfater was a KKK member. I loved the man, but was ashamed of this aspect of his life. I was never such a member, but my care for him led me to have a feeling. What you feel nothing about you can't love.
However, I think you misunderstand a lot. It isn't that I, or many others I suspect, sit around crying about the past. it is merely when we look back and assess what our ancestors did that we have paused to remember and to some degree critque and feel. But the facts are the facts. The US (as you have some silly problem with the word we) did allow slavery and Americans did own slaves. There is no way around that fact.
Yes...the US did...as did the rest of the world. My ancestry came here from Denmark in 1887. Pretty sure they had slaves too. I hear we have some family blood that is pretty well connected there still but Im betting money if I hopped a flight there and said howdy my ass wouldnt get invted into the palace. I dont OWN their legacy, good, or bad. I dont FEAR the legacy of slavery in the US, nor do I feel shame over it. It is a reality. We learn from history. Thats ALL we can do. thats why I have said consistently that the COMPLETE history of slavery here in the Americas and around the world throughout time should be taught. All of it. People need to stop cringing in guilt over the actions of others and stop claiming this mindless unrightous indignation over attrocities they werent party too. Seriously...how many more generations do you want to see labor under guilt or victimhood? Good lord, dood. Northern states banned slavery before we became a country. The importation of slaves was banned in what...1810? Slavery as a practice was banned over 150 years ago. thats a good 8 generations. Accept history as what it is, learn from it and move forward already.
Yes, others did. So? Exactly what difference does it make that others did?
And no one needs suffer under guilt or victimhood. Honesty doesn't have to have either of those attached. You're making leaps.
Perspective is rather important when you are teaching and attempting to understand history.
Dood...you are the one rolling in shame over others activities...not me.
Rolling over in shame? Why the hyperbole?
Yes, perspective is important, but it doesn't make something right. It was still wrong on all kinds of levels. And noting that is not equal to rolling in shame.
Indeed...why DO you feel ashamed of a past in which you played no part?
Not trying to make something 'right'. Studying history isnt about judgement of right or wrong. It is simply the examination of what was, how it impacted us then and now and what can we learn to ensure tomorrow is a better day.
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