The reality of teaching American history is not built on 'the myths created by a manufactured history'
KARACHI: Dr Asad Zaman’s article of February 8 speaks to the manipulation of American history and collective memory by American historians. Indeed there are lots of problems and inconsistencies when historians try to reconcile the principles of the Declaration of Independence with the attempted destruction of Native Americans, and the brutal treatment of African-American slaves. The American Civil War was caused in large part by demands for southern expansion to extend slavery, and the country continues to deal with ongoing issues of bigotry, racism, sexism and poverty.
At the same time, having been an American history teacher for many years, I can attest to the fact that the reality of teaching American history today is not built on “the myths created by a manufactured history”. The College Board’s recently revised Advanced Placement United States History syllabus addresses the United States’ confinement of Native Americans to reservations, assimilation policies, as well as threatened eradication of native culture and identity. American history textbooks and students examine the heated controversy on whether to allow or forbid slavery in the new territories gained from the Mexican-American War. Martin Luther King Junior Day and Black History Month are increasingly honoured and recognised while Columbus Day is more and more marginalised. In addition, many college and high school American history courses incorporate readings from Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States, and other texts that provide an alternative interpretation of American history.
American history is generally coming to terms with its many contradictions. The College Board, states and school districts are developing curricula where students can read multiple primary and secondary sources, and analyse many different points of view. It’s just not true that American history textbooks and courses are still based on myths created by the imaginations of historians that “conceal cruel realities”.
Tony Hurt
Published in The Express Tribune, February 16th, 2016.
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