Inspiration:"Ms. Francis, this class has challenged everything I know about US History!" - Sam Goon, 2007.
Context: Many of you have noted, as Sam did last year, that much of what is taught about US history in grade and middle school is lacking historical context and accuracy. In fact, many historians argue that the conventional approach to teaching US History in public schools often
"perpetuates popular myths (e.g., the first Thanksgiving)...lies by omission... leaves false impressions.... avoids negative images even from primary sources... fails to portray whole people, distort events and attitudes ... avoid conflict and controversy at all costs ...and fundamentally shun anything that would put history, people, and movements into context... Instead, students memorize the archetypes and the myths built around them without thinking about their likelihood—or improbability."
(Scriff, Diane, 2004. http://www.slywy.com/bookreviews/liestold.html)
With that critical lens in mind, I'd like to devote this week's blog to reconsidering some popular culture potrayls of the American Revolution and the foundational principles of American Democracy.
Directions:"Schoolhouse Rock" was a popular Saturday morning cartoon show that aired in the late 1970's- 1989 (yes, we had T.V. back then - no cable.) It covered everything from algebra to zoology. Predictably, my favortie episodes were those that focused on US History and Government. These resources are basic in their teachings but directly reflect the general public's understanding of critical events from US history.
1. Watch "No More Kings" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofYmhlclqr4
lyrics available at: http://www.postdiluvian.org/~gilly/Schoolhouse_Rock/HTML/history/nomorekings.html
and
and
"The Shot Heard Around the World":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VQA5NDNkUM
lyrics available at: http://www.postdiluvian.org/~gilly/Schoolhouse_Rock/HTML/history/shot.html
lyrics available at: http://www.postdiluvian.org/~gilly/Schoolhouse_Rock/HTML/history/shot.html
2. Assess the historical accuracy of these cartoons by comparing and contrasting them to our current class materials on the American Revolution. Then share your thoughts on the following questions:
- Does popular culture promote a nationalistic view of US History?
- What cultural, political or economic purpose does this serve in modern US society?
Expectations:I remind you to draw on direct facts from our current unit of study in your response. Also, remember to reflect on at least one other blog. 250 word minimum is required for a grade higher than N on this assignment.
Extra Credit: Create your own creative representation of the American Revolution through images, music, comic strip, lyrics, or video. It can be posted on the blog or emailed to me at:
blog is due by Friday, Oct. 17 before class
20 comments:
Historians try to show America in a better light in American history. People want to show the better aspects of America its founders, leaders, and role models even if they had committed terrible crimes. By showing America in a more positive light through its history creates more nationalism among Americans it makes them proud to come from a country of such respectable leaders. Why would Americans want to hear about terrible things that we have done in the past? A more positive reflection of American history brings people together because they are proud to be part of such a successful country.
Epically today bringing out nationalism in Americans is extremely important because people do not support their country the way they have in the past. America has gone through so much in the past years September eleventh, the war in Iraq, and now the economic troubles we are facing; keeping Americans supportive and faithful to the country is more vital then ever. Americans need to ban together if our country wants to survive. Epically with the economic depression Americans need to have faith in their country, Americans need to see American as a country that is powerful and resourceful country.
America is a grand country, home of the free, but the question is should Americans hide their past in order to keep up with its powerful image? Personally I feel that Americans should be proud of every aspect of their history even the parts that are not as charming as we would like them to be. Americans should not hide their history or cover up the parts they do not like even if its bring about nationalism, I would rather know the truth then be lied to.
Katie McSherry
Block: H
AP US
Popular Culture as well as teachers show America in a very positive way. Though not totally inaccurate the history of America is sometimes skewed to create a form of nationalistic view. Historians, teachers and popular culture show a somewhat inaccurate history in order to build national pride within children and citizens. By teaching children only the positive perspective of America's founders and leaders, children build national pride. In American society popular culture is another big source of nationalism. Movies and television shows are sources of nationalism. Many movies show how America is fighting for the good of humanity while, the opposition is seen as almost evil. Therefore, making a contrast between good and evil. The negative things that leaders and founders have done is not shown because, national pride would be scarred.
An example of nationalism is in the cartoons where America is extremely supported. The cartoon is quite one sided in that America is completely victimized by the British who are seen as greedy and power hungry. Though Britain did tax the colonies it was not as if he had a lair of money just loafing around. Britain was in debt, which was not mentioned or shown in the cartoon in any way shape of form. The cartoons also don't mention how Americans had slaughtered Indians in order to make the colonies. This was to obviously show America in a very positive light. In the second cartoon George Washington was depicted a great man though he was a racist. In the cartoon African soldiers weren't shown most likely due to George Washington's view on slaves. They also only briefly discuss the losses America had faced while, boasting of the "great" victories. There is also no mention of the thievery of George Washington of weapons and ammunition. These cartoons in television shows depict how popular culture obviously promotes nationalism. The purpose of skewing the historical information is to help American nationalism. By skewing information children are almost brain washed into thinking how genuine and great America was in it's endeavors. This would obviously build American pride.
I agree that with Katherine Mcsherry that nationalism is very important in the present time. American nationalism seems weaker than it once was like Katherine said. After incidents like September 11, and the Iraq war nationalism is very vital to American success. With the support of Americans the economic downfall would be much more manageable.
Ho Lee
H Block
Throughout the years American history has been taught in a positive light. Only telling the stories of new explorations, but not the killing that also went along with that. When people are asked something about american history, some can only respond with half a story because they have not delved into the understanding of American history. As many can tell, people today know to much about the country and it's history which demotes nationalism within America. That is why schools don't go into the depth of american history with kids so they can promote nationalism. Personally I find that to be a form of brainwashing. However; this can cause less trust in Americans today when it comes to problems in the worlds politics and/or economy such as the up coming recession we will be facing.
In the first political cartoon shown "No More Kings" it shows how britain has a watchful eyes on the colonies. The King did a good job in the beginning, helping the colonists build up the America's and providing them with food and supplies. However; when it came time when the colonists wanted to be free from the British the King did not agree. Because of the King's unruly ways, he winded up taxing the colonies for every little thing before the taxes become such an annoyance for the colonists they decided to revolt. The revolt that led to the Boston Tea Party. Colonists disguised themselves as indians and dumped all the tea (tons) into the harbor. Even though it seems as if the king was a tyrant toward the colonies he wasn't, his first priority is his own country. Britain was in debt during the taxation and the King used the to help better britain. Again; not everyone knows that information on britain because they do not teach the full story, if they only tell the story from the colonists (Americans) point of view then of course that will promote nationalistic views in the country.
Since more and more people are learning about US History and every point of view is being counted nationalism is decreasing in America today.
I agree with Katie McSherry when she states that Americans should not hide their history or cover up the parts that they do not like even if it's bringing down nationalism. People deserve to know the truth about their country and why they are living here now.
Samantha Esposito
H Block
AP US - 10/16/08
Katie - G: Thoughtful work. I think you meant "especially" where you wrote "epically." You make a good case for the need for nationalism and truth in difficult times.
Ho - G+: Interesting points on the omissions in the School House Rock videos. It would've been wise to provide evidence of Washington being a racist; try to back up controversial assertions.
Sam - G: What is the point of what you call "brainwashing?" Who is responsible and what do they have to gain in this process? As I noted to Ho, it's important to back up controversial assertions.
Otherwise, thoughtful post.
The American youth are repeatedly fed with incomplete historical events regarding the country’s history. From Christopher Columbus’s so called “majestic voyage”, the Pilgrims to the American Revolution major details are not always given to the children prior to high school. Even in high school, the US history regents does not cover much material regarding Columbus’s genocide in the Americas. “Schoolhouse Rock” a late 20th century cartoon show is an example of one of the several places where Americans have been limited from knowing the country’s full history. Along with early school, many of information offered about American history, like Paul Revere ride, are either exaggerated or presented with minimal evidence about certain events and issues in the country’s history.
Schoolhouse Rock’s “No More Kings” is one of the examples of American history being distorted. The short musical and rhythmical cartoon is definitely entertaining, but many of the scenes seem highly patriotic, especially when including lyrics like “Rockin'/ and a rollin’/ Splishin' /and a-splashin' /Over the horizon,/What can it be?,”
These lyrics avoid showing some of the significant events surrounding the pilgrims and their settlement in the New Word. For example, the cartoon shows the entrance into of the pilgrims into the Americas is a positive way by merely portraying them travel seas and step into the new found land, neglecting to depict the territory taken away from the Natives. Even though the cartoon/song is quite short, the Indian ownership of the continent deserves importance and the cartoon seems to dishonor this fact by stating “They knew that now they'd run their own land”. Besides natives, the cartoon shares a reasonable amount of issues that existed between the British Constitutional Monarchy and the colonies.
“Shot heard round the world” is another one of Schoolhouse rock’s cartoon that gives doesn’t completely offer the truth. In the beginning Paul Revere is idealized for his ride, his role in the revolution widely accepted among Americans. However, some Americans don’t know that Longfellow’s poem which is a major reason why Revere receives a great deal of attention. Longfellow’s poem along with the cartoon emphasize the concept that Paul was a lone rider, while in reality there were several riders that announced the upcoming British arrival. Also Paul being captured by the British is also ignored. The cartoon however, only shows Paul for small amount of time, avoiding from showing more false information regarding him.
Despite conveying incomplete or misleading information, there’s a valid reason why American popular culture sometimes changes American history. This type of influence promotes nationalism by creating a national pride. When Ho Lee said “This would [promoting nationalism through skewed history] obviously build American pride” he makes an acceptable statement; however, the approach (of popular culture) appears contrary to principles of the country. Also when Ho Lee “Though Britain did tax the colonies it was not as if he had a lair of money just loafing around. Britain was in debt, which was not mentioned or shown in the cartoon in any way shape of form”, he addresses an important part of the story that the cartoon ignores. Even though this pro-America attitude might lead to a more unified country and a more successful economy, the people’s liberty to know is sacrificed.
Pop culture does indeed promote a nationalist view of American history. Throughout history, stories have been told based on only one perspective to impact a certain idea or impression on people. People, children in particular, have been told certain facts that appear to be the entire truth. Fabricating certain events and sugar-coating information to give people a flawless outlook on a topic, is how many historians have withheld from giving people the absolute truth. Many schools, especially those of elementary have withdrawn from telling children about specific topics, because of their level of maturity. Imagine the reaction of a child learning about Thomas Jefferson’s interaction of sexual relationships with his slave. Experience and maturity are what helps shape a person into developing better understandings on topics, so avoiding negative characteristics are what schools tend towards. Children are deeply affected by what they are exposed to, and schools try to limit graphic and detailed scenery. However, camouflaging America as a utopian society does limit the knowledge of true facts about U.S. history.
“In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” Although this beguiling and rhythmical rhyme is historically true, students in elementary schools only know a fraction of the expedition of Columbus. Schooling systems fail to mention the malicious tactics Columbus used while exploring the “New World”. Ignoring the repulsive actions in which Columbus abused and killed Indians, are how falsifying facts become embedded in the minds of America’s youths. Still schools institute these teachings because it illustrates a censored message that is factually true, yet lacks the complete information of a specific topic.
In the School House Rock videos, the clips show appealing and attractive facts to their audience to help promote educational, and yet a nationalist perspective. The video “No More Kings” illustrates how the Pilgrims came to American in search of a better life. This historical event is exceptional true. However the video does not mention the exact reason why the Pilgrims left England. Known as Puritans before they were labeled Pilgrims, the Puritans faced persecutions in their country, as King James I banished religious tolerance in England. Fleeing to Holland Separatists sought the “New World” as a place where they would have the right to establish free religion apart from the corrupt Church of England. Although the video does in fact indicate that the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth and formed their own ways of life, it terribly ignores the hardships, poverty, and suffering that the settlers faced in America. Lack of food resulted in the deaths of many Puritans, as well as diseases and other infections. Even though the video is directed towards children as promotes nationalism to America, the film still neglects credit to the Indians for their contributions to United States history. When the Puritan settlers arrived in America and had little provisions for themselves, the Indians were willing to help them with their agriculture and other necessities. Even on his arrival in the Indies, Christopher Columbus stated “the Indians are so native so free with their possessions that no one who has not witnesses them would believe it. When you ask them for something they have, they never say no.” Excluding important facts such as the Indians assistance to the European settlers, demonstrates how little American appreciation is towards those who helped make this country the place it is today. There is also a part in the” No More Kings” video that says “Oh they were missing Mother England”. This line in the song is exceptionally fallacious because not all colonists supported England. As mentioned in the previous class debate some colonists had hostile attitudes towards Britain (also known as Tories) because of their taxation on teas, silk, documents, and valuable imports. After, Britain realized that the colonists wanted to rule their own land; British troops were sent over to supervise the colonies. Rebellion was the last thing the British wanted for the colonies, as England struggled in its economic debt. Instituting the Intolerable Acts, in the 1770’s Britain became extremely controlling of the colonists as indicated in the clip.
In the video “A Shot heard around the World” it begins with Paul Revere declaring the British are coming. Agreeing with Simit’s reference of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem to promoted Revere’s ride, the historically journey of the real Paul Revere had some distinction. Focusing more on patriotic inspiration than factual detail, Longfellow issued his poem to show an American protagonist during the time of the Revolution. Factually Paul Revere’s life was not exceptionally glamorous as Longfellow claims it to be. Being an activist in Boston, Revere was involved in a network that placed him and a partner to the nearby armed forces. The video includes important facts during the Revolution such as the Battle at Bunker Hill and the events at Concord and Lexington during 1774. Stating many of the important key events during the American Revolution is how these videos illustrate the importance of nationalism in the U.S. Although some information is misleading, the videos are still informational clips directed to children, not history professors. These video clips illustrate cultural purposes in America and allow the youth to observe historically events in an animated view, in order to gain a clear interpretation. Nationalism and patriotism are also included to show support for the American society and its culture. So even if children are still taught only one side of a historically concept in elementary schools, within the years to come, a deeper understanding of the topic will be exposed to them as they mature. The neglect of telling people the truth because of nationalism is outrageous because the truth should be revealed. However, under certain circumstances there are needs to withhold certain subjects for varies reasons.
Racquel Wood
Nativity plays a huge role in popular culture and in America. Expectedly, politicians and hardcore nationalists cover up the past to give hope and encouragement to the future. In a newer light, I feel that cover uppers, are embarrassed for their countries mistakes and try to pretend as if they never happened. They don’t want their country and the rest of the world to live in fear of them. They fear that the citizens will be ashamed of their culture and their nationalism will decrease. It is sought of like when people deny the Holocaust. We have seen death statistics and other pieces of evidence, yet they still deny. Why? It is because they are ashamed, too ashamed to admit their mistakes. So, while the cover uppers continue to drench themselves in embarrassment and think of new and improved theories to what REALY happen, we have historians, diaries, radio reports and so much more to uncover the truth of what truly happened. Schoolhouse Rock! is a somewhat short musical covering topics from grammar, science, economics, history, mathematics, and politics. The show first started airing around 1973 and 1986, before this time period America’s nativism was very high due to immigration and other crisis. Schoolhouse Rock’s “No More Kings” is somewhat accurate. I honestly don’t have a problem with it being shown to little kids. It shows how the British came to the New World for a better life. It explains how they became self dependent and build their own homes and so on. Though it doesn’t show the bloodshed of the Natives, my anger is relieved by them not showing them at a dinner table roasting on Turkey. The cartoon illustrates how the colonies didn’t want to be under England any more along with pictures of the Boston Tea Party. I feel that children shouldn’t know so much about the massacre of Indians at such a young age but I also believe they shouldn’t be lied to. I don’t think School house Rock lied in any way. Schoolhouse Rock’s “Around all Around the World” is also okay in my book. It tells the viewers that the colonies lost some battles before they actually won. The mention of Cornwall, Yorktown and General Washington shows historically accuracy as well. I would want my child to watch schoolhouse Rock than read Howard Zinn’s book. The book could promote violence and at the same time cause depression, for some.
I can’t really think of how popular culture could serve politics and economics but it does glorify America and make Americans proud of whom they are. It might have a hug effect to make someone want to become the next president of the United States or encourage other countries to become our alliance (not likely but...). America is not the only country that does it Zinn’s books showed that Britain does it too. In a British textbook they didn’t even mention America importance in China’s Open Door policy or Red Scare, C’mon?! In response to Simit, I do not think that any country stands behind its motto. Nigeria’s motto is “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”, but do they really follow it? No. America’s is “In God we Trust” but we more likely trust in greedy presidents and weapons of mass destruction to do the job.
Khadijat .
I ment to add that Countries try to live up to their motto but dont .
Popular culture promotes a nationalistic view of american histroy. Nationalism is a big part of american culture today. Today in society we have nationalistc views on who we want to govern our nation. We try to find the right person to make sure we have independance and rights for our country. We also have political parties and candidates such as Democratic and Republican. In textbooks we learn only about what the government wants in them. We dont learn about the important information that most likely wold change the views of haw peopel treat eachother. Like Ho lee said George washington was looked at as a good man to many he was yet he had a racial side that we dotn get to learn about. Geroge Washington Had slaves which did alot of work for him which shows he was a racist. He supported somethign which was morally wrong. Today in societ we sill have racism Blacks hate whites whites hate blacks, Spanish are classified as border crossers, Italians recive the steryotype of mobsters. Today we are nationalist and those who arent are considered ungratefull americans.
Every good action followed an evil. Historians try to cover up the evil that Americans have done and show the excellence that they have achieved. As Katie mentioned, Nationalism has been brought upon our country. With that people are showing their full support of their countries and representing them as much as they can.
"Support our Troops" is one example of nationalism. Americans today are fighting in war overseas in Iraq. It is important to support the brave, but now we look like the bad guys. Yes, terrorists had terrorized our country but to the Iraqis what do we look like? We are terrorizing their country by destroying it with war.
The videos depict America in the way the government wants us to know it. they do not want us to know the truth, and know that without the British sending colonists to find new land we would not be the country we are today.
Nationalism is used today sort of like propaganda. It supports social, political, and economic ideas in our nation.
The government uses the idea of supporting our troops to want people to join the military and go to war.
In the video Shot Heard Around the World Paul Revere is shown screaming, "The British are coming! The British are coming!" This is not true.
As Sam has said it is form of brainwashing. I feel that by teaching children about how Columbus was such a good man, and how the Pilgrims had feasted with the Indians, but not the fact that Columbus slaughtered tons of people and the Pilgrims did as well they are being brain washed to believe that Americans are perfect and we did everything right to earn our independence.
Through teaching of American history, its cultured was portrayed as something it was not. Pop culture certainly does promote a nationalist view. Young children, are taught, in elementary school, what is known as small facts in the story just to prove a specific fact. These small facts that these children learn are blown up in their minds as the whole picture. Just like Simit said, Columbus was explain to children as a European who traveled with Pilgrims and discovered the New World. I have now learned this this obviously is not the truth, but to a child 4 or 5 years younger than me Columbus discovered their home and did no harm. The unfortunate truth is, Christopher Columbus really isn’t the great man he is set out to be. Amerigo Vespucci claims to have seen the New World before Columbus therefore it is still up in the air whom has really discovered America, although many do believe it is Columbus. Coming to the New World, it is left unheard that Columbus killed many Indians while becoming power hungry and wanting all the gold. Children should know, Columbus may not be the worst man on earth, but he certainly is not the phenomenal man he’s portrayed as.
The show, Schoolhouse Rock , is yet another example of how the distribution of facts on American history is extremely limited. It may be difficult of people of certain age groups to understand certain events in history but that does not mean that the truth should be hidden until a person reaches a certain age. Understanding should not be an issue, everyone knows that you learn about US History all throughout your many years in school. If these facts are taught from a young age, students wouldn’t have to be lied to or be given a false perception of America.
Laurel & Sam- I agree COMPLETELY! America is not so perfectly like I was taught growing up. My family are basically all immigrants and ha come to America many years before I was born. While I was growing up I thought I was so lucky to be the youngest one in my family born in America, I felt privileged. Learning that America had won it’s independence ‘nicely’ I thought America was the greatest place to be. Although I am still very thankful to be living in America, I am learning that just like every other country, America fought for their independence and mistakes have occurred in history. I guess it’s true, nobody and nothing really is perfect.
In the cartoon, “No More King”, aired on school house rock it shoes how Britain was certainly a guide for the colonist helping them with building house and giving them food and supplies. After a while, the British began neglected colonist. Colonist than began to feel like they could survive on their own without being ruled by the British. All the British wanted from colonist was money anyway. This is shown when it states in the cartoon that colonist had to pay tax on the silliest things such as a cup of tea they are drinking. Colonist were fed up with the taxation from the British which was the reason for them to revolt. The revolt is what led to the Boston Tea Party which was when colonist disguised as Indians and dumped tea into an ocean to get rid of it. It was later realized Britain was in debt at the time of taxation which is the reason for the taxation. The money put towards taxes was used in Britain.
Parts of US History should not be changed around or hidden. Sure nationalism might decrease but its time we be realistic. A person is either going to like or dislike a place because of what its based on. Giving someone half the truth is only going to make them change their mind from liking the US to disliking it. What really happens is what makes someone come about their opinion. Someone can always change their mind therefore saying that half the truth is given to people to make them like their country, to me, is absolutely stupidity.
-Rosa Carucci
H-Block
As children in elementary school, most students were taught historical information that was not accurate. This could be because the student was not old enough to understand true facts. Another reason could be because the child would hear information that grabbed their attention. As agreed with Simit, children were taught that Christopher Columbus was told to children that he was a European that traveled with the pilgrims to the New World. Also that Columbus was the person to discover the lands of America. Columbus was pictured as a great man that started most of the colonization. Truth is, he did not. Columbus arrived after the Native Americans had. Since they were not cruel, he decided to “help” to build up on the colony that the Native Americans already developed.
No More Kings was just another example in addition to Christopher Columbus. The truth should never be untold to certain age groups, even though it might be difficult for them to learn. This video was about how the British watched the colonies every move. The British was taken control by the King, but they did not want to be controlled. Instead, they wanted freedom. When the colonies wanted to be free from the King, he did not agree so he put taxes on mostly everything. In the video, it shows the Boston Tea Party. This was when the British fought against the King and dumped all the taxed teas into the sea. This is all factual information; however, as Raquel Wood stated, the video did not mention the reason in which the Pilgrims left England. Indeed the video does show that the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth and starting their own lives.
A Shot Heard around the World starts off with Paul Revere saying, “The British are coming, the British are coming!” This action is known as it did not exist; although, Paul Revere was connected in sending out messages. This video includes factual information about the battle at Bunker Hill and the events at Concord and Lexington in 1774. Even though some of the events are untrue and misleading, children will come to know the factual information at a mature age
Agreeing with Katie and Sam, nationalism seems to be decreasing in our society. More people are not focusing on was has happened in the past. Instead we should focus on what happened in the past and try to build on it, making everything that surrounds us safer and modified.
Popular culture promotes a nationalistic view of American History, and sometimes doesn’t tell the true story. Everyone believes that Columbus founded America in 1492, but this is not true. Amerigo Vespucci was the real founder of the New World, but Columbus was credited for it. There is even a day, Columbus Day, which is in memory of Christopher Columbus. Columbus is remembered as a great man even though he tortured innocent American Indians. He got close to them and them captured and used them for their resources. Why are we told that Columbus was such a great man if he wasn’t? Historians want people to believe that America is almighty and great. When little kids are taught about history so many facts are pushed to the side. We are taught that Columbus founded America and that everything just came too be. For example, Thanksgiving was not what little kids are told it is. Settlers and Indians didn’t really get along like the story is told.
Notice that the parts that are left out are the parts that make Americans look bad. I agree with Katie McSherry why would Americans talk about things that make them look bad. People wouldn’t be proud of their country if they knew what really used to go on.
Popular Culture in the United States has always promoted nationalism. Pop Culture teaches the masses about our country’s rich history. However, Pop Culture gives an incomplete history of America. The atrocities the settlers committed while establishing America are left out of children’s’ textbooks. For example, when children are taught about Christopher Columbus, Columbus is portrayed as the hero who discovered America. The children are not told that Columbus attempted to enslave Native Americans. Columbus’s genocide of the Native Americans is also left out. Children grow up celebrating a murderer on Columbus Day and they don’t even know it. The Counter Culture doesn’t promote nationalism as heavily as Pop Culture. AP textbooks and historical texts attempt to provide the most accurate interpretation of American History. They provide the information that is left out by Pop Culture.
Schoolhouse Rock was a children’s television series that gave lessons in American history One episode No More Kings explains how the Pilgrims reached Plymouth Rock. The cartoon is shown from the Pilgrims perspective. It utilizes a catchy song to explain why the pilgrims left England and how they settled the New World. The cartoon never explains the hardships the Pilgrims faced or the atrocities they committed against Native Americans. Native Americans are never mentioned in the song. The lyrics “They planted corn you know” has no mention of its historical background. The song also mentions that the colonists were left to fend for themselves. It never mentions how the Native Americans aided the colonists in their first year in the New World. The natives taught the colonists how to farm and showed them what edible plants were available. This cartoon does not give a truthful history of America.
The Shot Heard Around the World is another episode of Schoolhouse Rock. This episode teaches about the American Revolution. As in all episodes of Schoolhouse Rock there is a catchy song. The song teaches about events such as the ride of Paul Revere, the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Yorktown, and the Boston Tea Party. The cartoon favors the colonists over the British army. This episode is more historically accurate than No More Kings. However, the cartoon leaves out minor details about each event. Overall, The Shot Heard Around the World is an accurate example of Pop Culture promoting nationalism.
Pop Culture promotes nationalism to encourage Americans to love their country. If Americans did not love their country, the country might begin a downward spiral into obscurity. America has a rich and diverse culture. It would be a shame if that culture was lost. Nationalism is imperative to politics. For example, Presidential candidates use the topic of nationalism to attract voters. They tell Americans that the changes they will bring will make America a better place. The economy is dependent on Nationalism. If there was no nationalism in America, the economy would probably fail and there would be another depression. The economy is also dependent on government aid. If the government does not help the economy, nationalism in America would be nonexistent. Nationalism plays a vital role in the stability of the United States.
I agree with Simit that Pop Culture provides an incomplete history of the United States. It is wrong for Pop Culture to hide the atrocities committed when America was founded. These details are hidden to promote national pride.
It is true that much of the American history we learn in younger grades is oversimplified, and therefore inaccurate. However, I agree completely with Katie about these "white lies". Mothers only see their children as great students rather than the obnoxious things others see them as. The same principal applies to people who love America who only care about the many lives saved by the Pilgrims immigrating to America, not the many lives of Natives lost in the process. By teaching children that the Indians cooperated with the colonists, children can appreciate the roots of America and feel welcome here. By focusing the history behind the American Revolution on the American nationalist's perspective, children can grow up proud of their first presidents and leaders. Teaching children in such a fashion can be, as Samantha stated, as brainwashing because children are at such only instructed the presumable truth. It's not until high school when students are encouraged to develop a critical eye and challenge the standard beliefs. All teachings before high school develop a child's sense of nationalism, a sense of unity for all American's, a sense of pride to be an American, and a sense of confidence in America's leaders. All the traits together make up a rather ignorant citizen, but an undeniably devoted one. ("Ignorance is bliss," isn't it?)
The cartoon "No More Kings" and "The Shot Heard Around the World" was merely a simplified manner in which children could actually want to learn about the history of America. I'm sure if you handed them our American history textbook, none of the would care to even open it. I cannot fully criticize the cartoons because they did succeed in making history enjoyable. They accurately applied known facts such as how the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth because they were too tired to explore further, how their devotion to and pride of England did not falter in the beginning, how England imposed taxes on the colonists, how such taxes were met with distaste, how the revolution resulted, and how the first battles of the revolution concluded. However, they did exaggerate or omit parts that were necessary to adjust for their viewers full satisfaction. King George III is portrayed as a megalomaniac, whose hunger for money was the only reason for the taxation. Of course, no war or national debt is discussed because the portrayal of a single responsible antagonist is more interesting. It joined together all the viewers with dislike for a foreign leader who was once America's enemy. Neither are the tense relations between the Indians and colonists shown because that would probably not be very "rated G". Nor would it support the image of an America with clean and hard-working hands. The popular scene of Paul Revere's "The British are coming!" message is added as a way to add action and introduce a key figure to the revolution in a manner that all children would remember and accept him as a great leader. Overall, the spotlight follows America's efforts in colonization and the war for the simple reason of encouraging nationalism.
Do these "white lies" tarnish America's supposed democracy? No. Such lies are told to children, to set the foundation of their knowledge of American history and for their mere benefit. Americans who participate in America's democracy have every freedom to learn the truth through any media they wish. The truth about American hsitory is not hidden. It is simply not introduced in public school to young students. After all, don't we lie to children about worse things? Think about "be good so that Santa will get you good presents", "don't make that face or it will stay that way forever", "if you jump on your bed again, the police will come to arrest you". The list continues, but the reason behind these white lies remains the same- to teach basic principles in a manner that is beneficiary to both the adults and the children.
I meant to say Tories were supporters of Britain, and Whigs wanted to rebel against Britain. =)
Popular culture did promote a nationalistic view of American History. In recent times of modern day culture, people have started to charecterize the history of America as a fun and peaceful journey to democracy. Cartoonists draw historic American figures as heros who do nothing wrong, and do everything right. Controversly, educational textbooks describe American history with little to no accurate content. Sure, they describe the American Revolution with all the facts, but do the children really know what actually happens, or just some tall-tales? Obviously, Americans do not want to hear what their country did bad throughout history, but what we succeded and strived in.
Particularly in todays reality in America, the morale of Americans must remain heightened because of all turmoil that they have went through just in the past decade alone. For example, America has had to declar war(yet again), be attacked severly by terrorists, and face an economic depression during the first decade of the new millenia. Keeping the morale and support of the American people is of the essence!
Insequently, films, America's historics doctrines, cartoons, television, the media, and the general government system all play a part in the propaganda that surrounds modern society in the lies of American history making it sound "patriotic, heroic, and bountiful". For instance, in the YouTube video 'No More Kings', the cartoon film features a short, general overview of the first colonial settlements at Plymouth Rock in 1620 to the end of the American Revolution in 1776/1778. The very first couple of seconds describe the journey on the Mayflower as a joyful, and exciting event, even though in reality, voyagers died and others starved. Next, the video describes the colonists revolting against the British first, and with no reason except being able to sustain themselfs without the help of the British. The cartoon gave no reason or accurate illustrations for the abondonment of the Americans. Also, when the video showed King George taxing the colonists harshly, the cartoon gave no hint of reason for such heavy taxation, and the reasons for taxation without representation(the French Indian War/7 Year War, resources running low in India). Another scene, which is the most significantly off topic of the historical content showed the Boston Tea Party as a picture of an enlarged tea cup with tea in it. Why would the cartoonist describe to an audience of children a huge tea cup to represent the Boston Tea Party? People, especially children, might actually believe that a gigantic tea cup actually floated in the Boston Harbor in December 16 of 1773.Could'ent the cartoonist draw a scene with the colonist dumping the tea into the Boston Harbor off the British ships been to be a sufficient match?
Likewise, in the YouTube video 'The Shot Heard Round The World', the historical content was much more correct and fully illustrated in a cartoonist manner, but still lacked the true content of history. The video generally overviews the begining of the American Revolution to the end of it. The first act of incorrect historical content was minor and incoherent, but still caught my eye, which was the scene where the globe is shown, and when the gunshot goes off, the sound in America is BANG, and people on the other side of the world(seems like China)ask "What was that"?. Kids might actually think that a gunshot was heard tens of thousands of miles away, obviously an impossible feat. Another historic context which was undertaken by the cartoonist was the scene with Valley Forge. The scene of the soldiers wrapping their feet in the snow with the narrorator speaking of the soldiers "bundling up their feet". Yes, the soldiers did withstand the cold, but they also lost many soldeirs to starvation, lack of supplies, and from the weather.
But other then that, kudos to the 'Shot Heard Round The World' video, due to all the historic context which was correct and accurate. Popular culture most obviuosly, and definitly promote and encourage a nationalistic view of American History.
I totally agree with Katie McSherry, about how America attempts to cover up it's elusive and rougeful past. I also with her statements about how America needs more nationalism and support now more then ever.
Also, I agree with Simit, with his right-to-the-point attitude against the 'majestic voyage' Columbus had. So many lies have surrounded Americans, that myth became fact, and facts were forgotten.
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