Let's Talk About History, Both Sides Of It
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Let's Talk About History, Both Sides Of It

We cannot ignore the parts that make us look bad.

14
Let's Talk About History, Both Sides Of It
Pexels

The events that occurred in Charlottesville in the past few weeks have been all over the news, all over our social media feeds, and polluting our hearts. These acts of hatred and bigotry were so disgusting that I didn’t expect anyone to defend them. But, this is America, and to my distaste, people did.

“They’re trying to steal our history!”

“The Civil War made America what it is today!” (And you’re proud of that?)

“We need to remember the Civil War so that history doesn’t repeat itself!”

Yes, Bob, clearly we’ve learned a lot from the Civil War.

I agree history is important. And even more, American history is important. And it’s important that we learn about where we come from so we don’t return to that sort of behavior again. So let’s talk about history.

Why did the Civil War begin? Oh yes, it’s that magic word: slavery. The Civil War began because our president got sick of that slavery bullshit. Let’s not forget that he was also shot because he believed in equal rights. He had the nerve to try to abolish slavery. Oh, Abraham Lincoln, that silly bastard.

Webster’s dictionary defines slavery as “Submission to a dominating influence”. I find that funny. Because slavery is, as white supremacists like to say, a part of history. But let’s double check our history books, kids.

Our history briefly tells us about the struggle that slaves endured while they were owned by Americans. Nothing in our books will mention the brutality, the abuse, the rape, and the murder. They won’t describe the beatings that slaves received (beatings that made them bleed, cry, moan in pain, and sometimes die). They will never talk about slave owners cheating on their wives with the young female slaves, and let’s never pretend that the sex they were having was consensual. People today won’t talk about the working conditions, the heat, little to no food that slaves were given, or the fact that thousands of them were separated from their families from a young age.

And why don’t we talk about that? Yeah, let’s talk about how the acts of slave owners were eerily similar to those of Nazis. Let’s discuss what side our state was on. Let’s have a group chat about WHY this happened: because their skin was dark and they were different from us.

It’s so easy to say, “Why are they still mad at me? I didn’t ever own a slave! I can’t help what my ancestors did or the choices that they made!”

Well, guess what? Just like you, they believe in history. The Confederacy was a big part of American history. So was the Union. Whether we want to admit it or not, so was slavery. We cannot forget it. We cannot ignore it. We can’t write it off as something different in our history books.

Our families were a part of slavery, and that’s not something that I’m proud of.

Slaves were a part of slavery. Their treatment, conditions, and deaths are on the hands of Americans who lived before us, and that’s not something that anyone should try to erase.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86614
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52542
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments