As a person who is passionate about the importance of learning history as a necessary framework for making current decisions, I am deeply troubled my simplistic, arbitrary portrayals of our past. My concern is that unless the forces of moderation have greater weight in decision-making “group think” and Cultural Revolution ideology will prevail. We will no longer extol our magnificent past.
While I could pinpoint scores of flagrant violations of civility and freedom of speech rights, I will just mention three. Let me assure you, the incidents reflect a growing pattern that will ultimately emasculate the ability of future generations to appreciate the greatness of America’s founding generation.
The decision of Nike to withdraw a “Betsy Flag” decoration on their new line of sneakers, because Colin Kaepernick felt that the flag extolled slavery is ridiculous. Nike for purely reasons of profit deferred to Kaepernick because “their clients share his belief system.” That is Nike knew that their decision would offend most Americans, but they cater to “young people.”
Charlottesville, Virginia will no longer make Thomas Jefferson’s birthday as an official holiday. While I recognize Jefferson has faults, on balance he was an extraordinary man. President Kennedy said this at a White House dinner for outstanding Americans: “ I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House – with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”
The mayor of Charlottesville stated her views: “We are making sure the historical perspective is told from the black viewpoint, and being unwavering about our view point of that.” So much for the rainbow coalition.
In San Francisco, a mural (painted by a Communist in 1934) of George Washington will be painted over after it was being criticized for its depiction of Native Americans and enslaved African-Americans.
As we know this is just the beginning. If the present trend continues we will eliminate reference to the 14 American Presidents who owned slaves, and White segregationists who played major political roles until the 1970’s.
At one level, I have empathy for those people who are anxious to eliminate positive recognition of slaveholders and racists. A Charlottesville councilman, Wes Bellamy, articulated their position: “In this whole era of healing, you cannot heal without dealing with the truth.”
As a moderate and a person who constantly reads history, I have learned first hand that “truth is in the eye of the beholder.”
Let me give you one salient example. When I studied at Oxford University (1968-1969) I read A.J. P. Taylor’s Oxford History of the era 1914-1945. This was the primary textbook read by British youth. Taylor wrote “America’s participation in World War I was peripheral, and not the key element in the allied victory.” Thus, Americans and British citizens despite sharing a common language have different understanding of America’s role in World War I. This perception led British political leaders such as Neville Chamberlain to dismiss Franklin Roosevelt’s advice in dealing with Adolph Hitler. Stated differently, one’s perception of the truth can lead to major policy differences.
In conclusion, moderates such as myself really do not have a forum to express nuanced views. That is, I am not going to subject myself to yelling and name calling because I do not subscribe to the “current party line.”
