Melanie Moore, a mother of two elementary school students made a really good point about “the past” at a recent Georgia School Board meeting (link provided below) – I’ve taken her point and pulled the thread a little deeper and further.
What’s the big deal about the past – why are we so divided about studying, considering, and possibly correcting our understanding of the past – well, let’s consider why the past is traditionally considered….
Historian’s study the past to learn and write about it – they are regarded as an authority on the past – historians are concerned with the continuous, methodical narrative and research of past events as relating to the human race; as well as the study of all history in time – the concept of history would have little value if lessons from the past were not studied and considered.
Clergy from established religions study past lives and events of deity i.e. God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit – clergy also study the lives and events of previous clergy i.e. prophets, disciples, lay leaders, Popes, pastors, priests, preachers, etc. – their studies and research vary in different religious traditions, but usually involve learning and presenting specific rituals and teaching of their religion’s doctrines and practices – religious, or church history is given great relevance as it relates to understanding, trusting and living a religious life today.
Investigators of investigative organizations study the past to uncover clues and insight reference to incidents, accidents, catastrophes, disasters, and crimes, and components involved in these events – including information about the histories of equipment, structures, practices/habits, contributing factors, suspects, victims, witnesses, and those who make statements or testify – each component of an investigation has a past to be studied to better understand the event in question.
Doctors, scientists, researchers, engineers, developers, technicians, etc… study the pasts of their specific discipline as a component of their area of expertise, or one or more of the natural or physical sciences – every year (for thousands of years) man’s knowledge and understanding of these areas, and natural and physical sciences are updated, and changed based on these continuous studies.
Psychologist and psychiatrist, who study the mind and behaviors, also study the pasts of patients, peoples, and people groups to gain better understand, knowledge, and research to solve mind related problems, such as treating mental illnesses, behaviors, social conduct, and disorders – lessons learned from past behaviors, experiences, practices, and deeds are foundational components for these critical areas of study.
At this point I think it’s fair to state two observations:
- Studying and learning from the past is part of the bedrock of most (if not all) areas of study accepted by greater humankind.
- Studying and learning from the past is considered a fundamental source of validation, development, enhancement, and correction of most (if not all) areas of study accepted by greater humankind.
Yet somehow, our nation finds itself petrified at the concept of considering our nation’s past as a possible source of insight for some the national level challenges our nation is faced with today – seems weird, right? Why would we freely consider the past in most (if not all professional studies), but not consider the past when addressing our nation’s grotesque racial divide?
Bottom line upfront – the need for equitable education in our nation is critical now more than ever – one might say, the lack of equitable education in the past, is the reason it’s so critical now – the events of our nation’s past have relevance and contributing factors now, and in our nation’s future – it’s the same consideration why the past is important to religion, science, medical, engineer, economic, agriculture, investigative, etc… studies – it should go without saying, to also consider the past when evaluating social sciences, injustice, prejudice, human influences and behaviors.
Our nation is long overdue for honestly, decisively and transparently addressing the much-needed healing from our 400-year-old racial division – we must consider the truth about our past so we can learn how to be, and implement a real change for our future – the undeniable awful events of our past must be systematically connected across thousands of related historical tragic events leading to our current racial divide – this exercise is critical for level setting, accepting and growing from our past.
This exercise has everything to do with diversity and truth in education, and nothing to do with shaming, indoctrination, or guilt – its simply a matter of referencing all stories of all citizens being taught and considered as factors of our nation’s history.
All nations are responsible for righting the wrongs of their forefathers, in the same way that all nations benefit from the positive events from those same forefathers – our current generations did not create this racial divide, but we are responsible for changing the current course of our history – hard truths about any nation’s past are the keys to better future for that nation – we have to do better – we can do better – but, will we?
Link to Ms. Moore’s remarks:
Kevin's Thoughts 