Examining Examples of Bias of History: Contrasting Patriot's History with Howard Zinn's People's History

 
History is full of fascinating stories, but how we interpret these events can be shaped by perspective. This blog post dives into the concept of examples of bias in history, using the conversation between Pastor Evan McClanahan and Dr. Larry Schweikart as a springboard. We'll explore how their contrasting viewpoints on Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" and Schweikart's "A Patriot's History" highlight the role of bias in shaping historical narratives.

Through the Looking Glass: How Bias Shapes Our View of the Past

Bias simply means a preference for a particular point of view. Historians, despite their best efforts, are not immune to bias. Their selection of sources, the language they use, and the events they emphasize can all influence how the past is presented. Understanding examples of bias in history is crucial for developing critical thinking skills and forming a well-rounded understanding of history.

Who are Howard Zinn and Dr. Larry Schweikart?

Zinn, a historian and social activist, authored the influential book "A People's History of the United States." This work challenges traditional historical narratives by focusing on the experiences of marginalized groups, such as workers, minorities, and women, who are often overlooked in mainstream history books.

Dr. Schweikart, on the other hand, might emphasize the viewpoint presented in his book "A Patriot's History of the United States." This work highlights the achievements of America's founding fathers and the nation's role as a beacon of democracy

Battle Lines Drawn: Contrasting Viewpoints on Historical Events

The video conversation between Pastor McClanahan and Dr. Schweikart offers a prime example of bias in history. Pastor McClanahan likely finds value in Zinn's focus on the experiences of marginalized groups often overlooked in traditional histories. Dr. Schweikart, on the other hand, might emphasize the positive contributions of America's founding fathers and the nation's role as a beacon of democracy.

Let's delve deeper into specific examples of bias in history discussed in the video:

• Custer's Last Stand (at approximately 18:40 minutes): Traditional narratives often portray this battle as a heroic fight by the US Cavalry against savage Native Americans. However, a more nuanced view considers the perspective of the Lakota people who were defending their land. This is a prime example of how bias in history can obscure the complexities of an event. Schweikart looked at recent archeological evidence that challenges both the Indians’ and whites’ narrative of the battle.
• Thanksgiving: The video explores the controversy surrounding Thanksgiving. While some celebrate it as a joyous harvest festival, others see it as a reminder of colonialism and the displacement of Native Americans—even though the land upon which the Pilgrims landed was not occupied at all. This example of bias in history highlights how the interpretation of events can differ depending on perspective.

Beyond the One-Sided Story: The Importance of Source Criticism

Recognizing examples of bias in history is just the first step. To develop a well-informed historical perspective, we need to practice source criticism. This involves evaluating the credibility of historical sources by considering the author's background, purpose, and potential biases. Also, it must be understood that merely selecting “this fact” over “that fact” (though both might be true) will yield a totally different story. One cannot escape bias.

A Tapestry of Perspectives: Building a More Complete Picture of History

Understanding bias in history doesn't mean there's no truth in history. Rather, it encourages us to consider multiple perspectives and consult diverse sources. By examining events from different angles, we can create a more complete and nuanced understanding of the past.

Watch & learn! This video explores bias in history with Zinn's "People's History" vs. a Patriot's view. Dr. Schweikart offers a counterpoint, emphasizing context, sources, and balance.!

Curious to see how these contrasting viewpoints play out? Dive deeper into the conversation and watch the video embedded below. Let's continue the conversation about whether we approach the past with a critical yet open mind.