The Stories They Tell: DeSantis and the Path to Hide The Truth
As I sat in that classroom, my 16-year-old self couldn't help but feel a sense of attitude and eagerness. The bell had just rung, signaling the start of our history class, and my classmates and I took out our heavy textbooks and placed them on the desks in front of us. I flipped open my notebook, grabbed my pen and took in the pre-tech version of a Smart Board. The words on it were history, but I couldn't help but think that there was so much more to it than just that one word. I began to take notes, eager to uncover the stories and lessons that lay hidden within the pages of our textbooks.
As the class progressed, my attitude towards history began to shift. The words on the board and in my notebook came to life as our teacher delved deeper into the stories and events that shaped our world. I found myself becoming more invested in the material and the lessons it taught me. I began to understand that history was not just a collection of dates and facts, but a complex tapestry of human experiences, emotions and struggles. I realized that the past holds valuable lessons for the present and future, and I couldn't wait to uncover more of it.
As I continued to learn more about history, It became clear to me that it is crucial for history to be taught in a way that is honest, transparent, and inclusive of all perspectives to ensure that we can learn from the past and make informed decisions for the future. I realized that the way history is presented can have a profound impact on how we understand and interpret the world around us. If history is taught inaccurately or with a biased perspective, it can lead to a distorted understanding of the past and ultimately, dangerous consequences for the present and future.
It was alarming to me when I learned about Governor DeSantis' ruling on Advanced Placement (AP) history courses in Florida, where he sought to "promote patriotism" and "teach American exceptionalism" by banning certain topics and texts deemed "unpatriotic" or "anti-American" from the curriculum. This kind of censorship is detrimental to our understanding of history and does a disservice to the students by not allowing them to form their own opinions and understand the complexities of history. It is crucial that education allows for a diversity of perspectives and encourages critical thinking, not promoting a one-sided and narrow view of history. The past is complex and multifaceted, and it is essential that we are exposed to different interpretations and perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
DeSantis' ruling on AP history courses in Florida made it all too clear that the erasure of marginalized identities and perspectives from history is a dangerous and unacceptable reality. This kind of censorship is not only a distortion of the truth, but it also perpetuates the systemic marginalization and oppression of marginalized communities. It is crucial that we actively fight against this, by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are included and celebrated in the telling of history. We must work to ensure that the contributions and experiences of marginalized communities are not only acknowledged but also respected and valued. Anything less than this is a perpetuation of a narrative that erases the very existence of marginalized people, and reinforces the oppressive systems that keep them oppressed.
It is a grave injustice that according to a report from the Southern Poverty Law Center, the new curriculum implemented under Governor DeSantis' ruling on AP history courses in Florida actively removes crucial and vital concepts such as "systemic racism" and "white privilege" from the education of students. This is not just a mere oversight, but a clear indication of an attempt to manipulate and control the narrative of history, presenting a version of events that is incomplete, misleading and whitewashed.
We can't let a select few control the narrative of our past. It's time to stand up for the truth and make sure that our education reflects the reality of our history. Governor DeSantis' ruling on AP history courses in Florida is just one example of how the truth can be twisted for political gain. Our history belongs to all of us and it's up to us to make sure it's told properly.