What is postmodernism? Well this last week, I began to understand what that phrase meant, how it connected to the books we were reading, and where we were headed in this class. Postmodernism is a great representation of how our world is progressing and evolving. The Modern Era was also known as the Age of Reason, because that is when scientists and theorists really began to dig in and try to make sense of the world around them. Postmodernism is, in a sense, the same thing. Postmodernism is the attempt to make sense of the world we live in now, only we are now much more knowledgable about the physical world around us. Around 1970 things began to change, and postmodernists are digging into what has changed in an attempt to make sense of this new era.
Some assets of this new era are acknowledging the multiculturalism of our world, accepting the different races of people who live in the U.S., and recognize every individuals' freedom of choice. Unfortunately, not everyone has an open mind. Some such people are trying to manipulate the school system in Texas so that they can influence their students' beliefs, and sway them toward Christianity through history class.
As it was argued, not really discussed, in class, our country was seeded by Christians. Our country began with their virtues and beliefs, but from those it has grown and expanded to include other cultures, beliefs, and virtues. American history may have began with Christian leadership, but those leaders did not always lead by their Christian beliefs, and so had negative effects on our country. The same pattern continued after our country began to grow, many Christian leaders thought of themselves first and so did not keep to our pure Christian roots. Also, other cultures were already mixed in, like the Native American culture, and some were brought in along the way, like the Hispanics from Mexico,and the Scots-Irish from the U.K.
The Christians in Texas want U.S. History classes to focus on the Christian involvement in U.S. History, and to represent Christianity as an overall source of goodness. But if their involvement has not always been pure, and if there has been significant influence on our country by other cultures, why should history classes only focus on the Christian influences in U.S. History? That is the question I wanted to ask.
I believe that religion should be left out of school as much as possible. Since it can not be taken out of History classes, it should not be biased toward one religion or another. The values and beliefs and such of a religion should be taught at home. If parents want their children to be Christians, then they should teach their children. But no one religion should sway what students learn in any history class, especially our country's own history.
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I like the way you articulate your ideas Jessi!
ReplyDeleteI suppose my two cents would be this: Does the religion we have now affect you? It seems already that whenever religion is brought up, people try to brush over it as much as possible. (I remember Olson once telling me: "Religion. Pfft!" when I said I had to miss one of his finals for my sister's Holy Communion).
As far as I've noticed, the values and beliefs havfe not really been expressed in history classes at all. Sure, the ideas of the time are evident (such as the Protestant days of Abolition) but only because of the impact that they made. We can't eliminate the influence that they have. Truthfully, what other religion has had an impact that big that we don't talk about. (For example, the Black Muslim stir is studied).
I agree that the whole "We must present Christianity to everyone as the true force for good," is pushing boundaries of respecting differences. The nature of Christianity is for the individual to decide based on any information they hear or choose to research on it. So no, in light of the many religions that make up our country, we cannot teach the beliefs of one to be permanent in the classroom. However, we can teach that certain people in the past believed this.
Yes, I agree with what you're saying, but do feel that is happening now? If anything, I come out of my history classes feeling Christian bashed sometimes, sometimes because of the opinions of teachers and others, and sometimes just the way it is presented.
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We have the same middle name! How cool!
Andrea