History Books. Should they tell the real story...?

Question

Should our text books tell the real history rather than the glorified version often printed and taught now?

Answer 1

The ideal history textbook is one which presents the dry facts with as little political bias on the account of the editors as possible. Different points of view regarding important events should be given, to stress that accounts at the scene are themselves biased and divergent. History is the study of accounts given by witnesses that reflect their distinct experiences. The winners write the history books, but information is often garnered from the losers too.

Let's take American history. There are far more facts and accounts from 500 years than can be taught in a year long history class. A good American history textbook should strive for a balance between the political, economic and social/cultural aspects.

By "real", I believe you mean a study emphasizing the depravity and atrocities that occurred (Indian slaughters, slavery). By "glorified" you must mean a glossed over account of events avoiding discussions of those acts. History should be taught to raise awareness of long term themes that run through the time line of events.

Students should be exposed to the difficult topics, and the pros and cons based on first hand accounts. Accounts of Indians and slaves, as well as women, should be included and discussed. I don't believe these perspectives should be the "meat" of the course, but should be included in the social history aspect. Facts from a wide diversity of sources should be included, with footnotes citing sources. Units should include straight text, maps and graphics, a few renderings and portraits and first hand accounts.

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Answer 2

all factors of the triangle ought to be heard. Closed adoptions do ought to be regarded at heavily and now particularly than in ten years time. there are a great number of issues that still want changing... No its not all rainbows and butterflies in spite of the shown fact that it is not all undesirable the two. (the good does ought to be highlighted too.) i'm unable to talk for yet another united states, yet i be conscious of adoption is in the media right here because of the fact of AP's adoptee's and Bmothers/dad's desiring greater reform like open records and preparation on elevating observed babies. And its happening. Its a start up a minimum of.

Answer 3

The real story. Once they alter and glorify, it is not History in the true sense, anymore. National Geographic just had a tremendous article on Jamestown. I'm glad I read it, it changed my entire vision of Jamestown, from what I've read in History books.

Answer 4

Yes but it is hard to find the real story. But the Bhagavad Gita as it is. BY Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada is the original history of the Battle of Kurukshettra over 5,000 years ago. It is handed down from a pure disciplic lineage who are authorized to give this transcendental and historical knowledge. Totally amazing book if you like the straight truth. you can read it on line asitis.com I love this book.

Answer 5

Yes History books SHOULD tell the real story. Growing up I dont believe I ever learned the truth about Americans history, slavery, or anything else for that matter.

Answer 6

I think the truth would scare kids. This is a great question. I don't want my 7 year old coming home from school saying 'hey mom, did you know that really the pilgrims set the Indians up on Thanksgiving and killed them?'.

However, the school system could gloss the truth for age reasons and upon reaching high school they should study the full versions. I use the word 'version', because that's all we really have - it was written by somebody and who knows what side he was on.

Answer 7

History books are written by the winners...they ALWAYS tell the REAL story, from THEIR point of view. And you can always bet that the loser will have a completely different point of view, on the whole thing.

Answer 8

The tainted history taught to grade school and high school kids is to create patriotic citizens.

The real story in history is told in college. You might not like what you learn! Ignorance can be bliss.

Answer 9

Always. But from what I can see, the group doing the writing always wants to be remembered well, and so slews the facts in their favor. As near as I can tell. Everyone has done this since the beginning. So it must be a human failing.

Answer 10

I totally agree:

History books should cite numerous "primary sources" to support any position. Even with primary sources, the material can easily be slanted to support one's position or a glorification of one's history. One should, however, display the entire "picture" and, perhaps, both sides to allow the whole truth to be revealed.
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