[A. Finch]

we understand now better than ever that the american public school system is racist (maybe not intentionally) classist (probably intentionally) and all out supports a half baked version of American history. Why. What can Be Done?

[Baron_Samedi]

Hey Kat,

This is an interesting question but given the facts that the system is corrupt, broken and unfair what is true American History? We have to first extensively establish what fair history is prior to this sort of thing because the argument will be largely ignored, if we can present an alternative text then we can hit this nail on the head. As a teacher I would teach critical thinking, present handouts on history and more but I'm interested in your opinion.

[A. Finch]

well as a student i grew accustomed to the view of (specifically) US history taught in the "mainstream" public school system. recently though i came into a new class that is theroy based as opposed to the more common fact / date / who versioni had before grown up with. the teacherof mytheroy based class has donehis best to offer us the version of american history from those who lived it. and rather than learn as if we were watching and observing these events take place, we learned through the people, the native americans unfairly treated (understatement) the african americans horribly unfairly treated (understatement) etc., and from these perspectives i think i now understand so much better the issues in peoples lives, and the actions they take because of them. I think that this type of learning is the first step towards a truely educational, useful, imperitive form of learning.

[Baron_Samedi]

Hey Kat:

In all reality there are some basics that you are suppose learn in school, American history, world History and ancient history. In those classes your suppose to learn geoghaphy, how to read maps, time and spatial awareness, economics, how it works and effects people, sociology, psychology and citizenship. 12 yrs in Public school is suppose to prepare you to carry on a basic conversation and teach you to do your own research. teacher Bias, textbook lobbying companies and more come into play and mess everything up.

If you want a good book on American History try, "Lies my history teacher told me" by Loewnthal.

They key thing that Blacks and other groups in the USA have to do is learn to do independent research to combat the crap. I say buy a Computer and get cheap internet access, forget the Jordans and the Expensive coats. Keep a "B" average and get a free ride to college where the real studies begin and then in turn teach you children the difference.

It has to start in the Home. If we wanted a Black or multicultural history course Parent on the school board and the PTA could make it happen but most people just sit and talk shit about how bad things are. We have the power but peeps gotta stop being afraid to use it.

[LoveItorLeaveIt]

Interesting. It's funny because, when I did my undergrad degree, European history was a requirement.

African or African American history was an elective. So, you had the choice, but they did not want it to seem obvious.

To answer your question, the history of America is seen as something that white people created. We all know that's far from the truth. The blacks and the Indians are the ones who built this country. Whites just took the credit. What can be done? Well, there will have to be enough blacks who are committed to the cause. We would have to be unified, knowledgeable of our rights, and demand change by consistent and persistent pressure on government.

And, since we have a problem with unity...How about we try to change our community, and then we try to change our school system.