A History Lesson

Time to tackle a subject other than self-analysis. Time to start taking some of the nagging fragments that interrupt me throughout my daily attempts at finding the next step, and forming them into something more than thoughts that weave in and out, intertwining and twisting throughout the flaps of my brain. You’re still with me, I hope.

Good. Let’s talk history.

I’ve tried a couple of times to read Howard Zinn’s “A People’s History of the United States.” It’s one of those books that I feel ashamed of for having not yet read. “A person of my progressive belief system needs to have this book in my catalog,” I keep telling myself. But time and time again, it finds itself in the ever-growing pile beside my bed.

I get angry. I get pissed off and I drop it.

It’s no grand secret that Americans, on the whole, aren’t exactly beacons of bountiful knowledge when it comes to history. American history, world history, doesn’t matter. We don’t know a whole helluva lot about any of it really.

Here are a few of my observations and beliefs as to why this is the case.

First off is the way history is taught (at least in the public school systems). It’s all date-based and memorization. When things occurred. All of the intestines, the gooey, savory innards get skimmed over. Why did this event happen? Who exactly was involved (in all arenas)? What was going on in other parts of the city, country, international community that could’ve influenced this event? What was the outcome? What could’ve prevented this? What could be done to prevent this in the future?

What’s missing from history is story.

The same holds true for geography. It’s all memorization: color-coded maps and flash-card tactics to pass the next exam. History and geography should be taught together. Give some context to the lessons. Give me format. Give me subtext. Give me plot points and climaxes. Give me sustenance to fill the hunger that numbers don’t satisfy.

As a storyteller, I can see where one might wag a finger at me, declaring bias. But we all love story. And the lines between fact and fiction are often more blurred than we are truly willing to embrace. (Although this can be a very dangerous concept, it excites me. I get off on it. But again, fiction is my playground.)

Secondly, I believe that the powers that be don’t want us to know our true history. (Keep ‘em ignorant and purchasing.) This is what attracted me to “A People’s History” in the first place. I had memorized Victories Version of American History. (Maybe that’s why it never stuck for me! Maybe I never absorbed and stored the school-taught version of American History because I didn’t believe it.)

Something about Zinn’s historical representation feels more real. Zinn tells history from the perspective of the people who were on the losing side of this country’s growing pains: hence, the people’s history. Our history. Intuition hums a warm room tone, “Warmer. You’re getting warmer.”

Really it’s better for the folks at the helm that our knowledge of World History is fuzzy around the edges, too. I mean if more Americans had an inkling of familiarity about what happens to Empires that grow too powerful, too greedy, to grand. If more Americans had a greater relationship with the families of fascism, I can’t help but to wonder.

Could things be different? Would it be possible to stop this train wreck of a corporate-capitalist implosion before it fully manifests? Or does it have to happen?

How much longer until we stop living through the same painful lessons?

Part of me wants it to happen. Maybe it’s the whole ‘destruction breeds creation’ process that’s got me salivating for the big fall. Or maybe I just want to see them suffer, squirm, kick and bleed through the nose like the selfish, heartless, gutless pigs that they are.

(And for those of you keeping score, you can clearly see I’ve still got a long way to go on this path of enlightenment.)

And perhaps, then, I’ve answered my own question. The same painful lessons will continue to recreate themselves until all of humanity is willing to release the desire to see our enemies suffer. We must evolve to the state of being wherein we no longer seek revenge on those who have wronged us. Until that day blissfully arrives:

History repeats itself. Cycles repeat themselves.

And I can see how my anger at the process of acquiring the true knowledge of my country’s history is related to the anger I have towards myself. Like a layering of concentric circles, exposure to the truth requires acceptance of the truth. Just as I must accept myself, I must accept the true factual atrocities that, not only decorate, but are the foundation of this country.

As Americans, we all must do this. We all have to make this commitment, take this responsibility. We have to. If we want to move forward, if we want to be a better country, if we want the respect, support and cooperation from the international community, if we want to survive, we have to.

So, whattaya say, fellow Americans?

Are you willing to step up to the plate and commit to self-discipline? Stop running. Stop making excuses. Educate one’s self. Accept our history. Accept our current, ripping at the seams, swirling down the drain non-sustainable state of disarray?

Are you willingly to actively participate in the collective creation of a brighter community?

I acknowledge it’s a tall order to fill. But isn’t it the preferred path to total devastation?

Won’t it be interesting to see which outcome happens first?