I was in an argument with my black neighbor?

Question

about whether American history is taught in a culturally biased way.

Just to test him I asked him to name some significant Black Americans.

He knew about Dr. King alright, but he had only barely heard of Frederick Douglas, and he knew nothing about Crispus Attucks or John Henry.

I am German American third generation.

Who else gets bother when people complain about this and that, but they don't even take the time to educate themselves?

Did nobody pick up on the reference to John Henry?

Answer 1

80% of US high school graduates cannot draw the general contours of the US on an unmarked world map. Not details, just broad lines.

60% of US high school graduates don't know what the Holocaust was.

90% of US high school graduates cannot name three or more of the first ten Amendments (Bill of Rights).

Over 99% of US adults couldn't name more than two current or recent Supreme Court justices.

So, no it doesn't surprise me. It disgusts me.

Answer 2

Maybe if blacks where never slaves, they would have never came to America?
That's why we will never really let them have any power in the u.s its like giving power, or a title to a Russian man to be head of state, or something else significant like that.
We are a free country, if you grow up an America you are American, no matter what your past ethnic background, or skin color.
I still doubt that blacks would have anything to do with today's American society if they would have not been slaves, we are not going over to japan and bring people over here to till the soil, but if we had instead of africans the u.s as we know it today would be toatly different, no rap music and that would suck!
Now adays blacks are american and that is why we will respect them as americans in futher generation of the u.s.
Peace!

Answer 3

As great as the U.S. is I think sometimes we're so culturally disconnected and sadly people chose not to learn about their culture, other cultures, and important minority figures. Sure colleges offer african american studies...chicano studies...but it's actually rare that people from different backgrounds are curious enough to take those classes. I know I've been in those classes and I have what 20 classmates in there out of hundreds?

I get more bothered about americans who claim to say they're just "white" when asked about their cultural roots. Obviously they've had to have English...Irish...etc but they lose themselves in their cultural backgrounds and go by color to distingush who they are and where they come from. That to me seems like a bigger issue.......

Answer 4

History is usually biased in some way. I think a black history class is a good substitute if their high school lets people pick classes. Why not? So long as they know that the Civil War came before WW1, why not.

Answer 5

Why the hell does it really matter? Why can't we all be Americans, not black or white, or German American or African American?

As long as we let these issues control us there will always be biases.

Answer 6

I get bothered. And it is a fact that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Your neighbor is only using the bit that helps advance his position over others.

Answer 7

I think that's a valid point. Any argument ought to be backed up with evidence.

Answer 8

I agree with you that people need to be educated more but there is free speech.

They can complain and moan but you will be the more intelligent one and actually have the knowledge to back up your arguments.

Answer 9

Go ask how many white people who those poeple are. You'll probably have the same response.

Answer 10

Uh, what are you doing to change the situation, besides ask a bunch of other morons a moronic question about another moron?