If you’ve followed the headlines in recent years, it’s easy to think that Americans have never been more divided over how we teach and think about our history.
I have wondered if it might be necessary- or at least important- to include the stories of benevolent, supportive White people when teaching about the things that were done against Black people in American history. I think this would be a good thing to do, but my concern with it is that the story of the White ally might become the focus, while the stories of enslaved people or segregated African Americans end up getting overshadowed.
Thanks for the comment. I think we need to understand the ways in which white and Black Americans have rallied together to push for freedom as well as for other causes. I agree that it shouldn't be done in a way that overshadows the accomplishments and causes of Black Americans.
We need to remember that Black Americans have always played a central role in helping to steer this nation forward and pushing it to live up to its founding ideals.
I have wondered if it might be necessary- or at least important- to include the stories of benevolent, supportive White people when teaching about the things that were done against Black people in American history. I think this would be a good thing to do, but my concern with it is that the story of the White ally might become the focus, while the stories of enslaved people or segregated African Americans end up getting overshadowed.
Hi Bryan,
Thanks for the comment. I think we need to understand the ways in which white and Black Americans have rallied together to push for freedom as well as for other causes. I agree that it shouldn't be done in a way that overshadows the accomplishments and causes of Black Americans.
We need to remember that Black Americans have always played a central role in helping to steer this nation forward and pushing it to live up to its founding ideals.