The question I have is: is this class going to be the evening news version of history or a serious examination of events that bring us to where we are? By that...if one watches the evening news and accepts those daily reports as an accurate depiction of life in the city/state/country which is being reported, one quickly draws a conclusion of a disorderly, violent, disrespectful society because for every 1 report of something normal or good that is going on, there are 5 to 10 bad events that are highlighted. Regarding our history and our present...there are many, many good decisions and tremendous leadership that founded this country and put us on the course that we follow. I will make a bet that the positive, enlightened, good decision and actions outweigh the negative significantly. If the history course properly characterizes this along with the controversial facts, I have no issue. If the controversial facts are portrayed in a way to undermine all the good things....then I question whether the intention is to educate or disrupt.

I agree with the bolded, but many times the dark side of history runs counter to the myth. For example, there are striking similarities to what Quantrill and Bloody Bill Anderson did in Missouri and Kansas during the Civil War and what ISIS is doing today in the Middle East. Easier to focus on the majesty of the Gettysburg Address and the gallantry of Robert E. Lee than to address the beheadings, mutilations etc. in the western theater.

Since this is in Oklahoma and they are complaining about painting the U.S. In a negative way, what is their view on The Trail of Tears?

I'll take a stab at it:

 

"Nothing to see here, move along..."

I agree with the bolded, but many times the dark side of history runs counter to the myth. For example, there are striking similarities to what Quantrill and Bloody Bill Anderson did in Missouri and Kansas during the Civil War and what ISIS is doing today in the Middle East. Easier to focus on the majesty of the Gettysburg Address and the gallantry of Robert E. Lee than to address the beheadings, mutilations etc. in the western theater.

 

I agree...truth should not be surpressed as long as it is put in a proper perspective with the good.