Introduction
Primary and secondary sources’ narratives might be comparable because they give details about historical occurrences. Nevertheless, the manner in which the information is delivered might vary considerably. While secondary sources frequently offer an interpretation and analysis of primary ones, and they frequently give a more direct and detailed account of events. The article “What Does Modern Prejudice Look Like” by Vendatam S. focuses on modern prejudice and how implicit bias and microaggressions serve as its primary modes of social expression (Vendatam, 2013). The article offers a more comprehensive explanation of the nature of contemporary bias and its solutions. On the other hand, David Goldstein’s “Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories” compares the textbooks used in California and Texas and shows how they provide various viewpoints on American history (Goldstein, 2020). The paper demonstrates the knowledge of how political and social forces affect how history is taught in textbooks.
Together, the two articles demonstrate the various historical representations of individuals, groups, and events that have occurred in the past and present, as well as how these various representations have influenced how people view the past. The author’s point of view frequently constrained how history was presented, focusing primarily on dominant organizations and individuals while ignoring or underplaying oppressed groups (Vendatam, 2013). In order to grasp history more fully and accurately now, there is a greater emphasis on recognizing and taking into account all views, including those of oppressed groups.
Narrative That Has Significantly Influence the Contemporary Understanding of The Historical Event
Multiple viewpoints, including those of marginalized groups and allies and academics working to advance greater inclusion and diversity in historical narratives, are used to tell the story of identifying and including disadvantaged groups and perspectives. The Civil Rights Movement, the Feminist Movement, and the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement are examples of social and political movements that support more representation and rights for underrepresented groups (Vendatam, 2013). The narrative of Vendatam S.’s “What Does Modern Prejudice Look Like” is told by those who have encountered prejudice and discrimination and how they deal with these experiences in their day-to-day lives.
The author also offers social scientists’ and academics’ perspectives on identifying and addressing unconscious biases. In “Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories” by David Goldstein, the narrative is told by a journalist who examines how history is taught in schools. How political and ideological factors can influence it (Goldstein, 2020). The author also compares the variations in historical interpretation seen in textbooks used in Texas and California. As society continues to struggle with issues of inequality and injustice, the story of identifying and embracing underrepresented groups and perspectives is one that is continuing and growing. This story is essential to understanding history and how it has more thoroughly and accurately influenced the present.
The Historical Research Question
Politics, the economy, and entertainment were going through enormous changes during the relevant events. Politicians campaigned for equal rights and representation for people of color, and the Civil Rights Movement was gaining strength in the US. As women sought greater equality and representation in society, the feminist movement also grew. As individuals and organizations fought for more acceptance and rights for people, the LGBTQ+ rights movement was also starting to take shape. In terms of the economy, the United States experienced prosperity and economic expansion after World War II. The middle class expanded at this time, and consumer culture also flourished. In terms of entertainment, the 1950s and 1960s were characterized by the introduction of new genres of popular music and the emergence of rock and roll (Vendatam, 2013). As African-American musicians and women started to acquire more representation in the music industry, the feminist and civil rights movements also impacted entertainment.
David Goldstein contrasts the narratives in the history textbooks used in California and Texas in his article “Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories.” The article focuses on how the two states present historical events and people differently and how these distinctions reflect the political and cultural contrasts between California and Texas (Goldstein, 2020). The way history is taught in schools is one narrative that significantly impacts how people now understand historical events. The article’s presentation reflects the political and cultural ideologies of the states in which the textbook narratives are utilized (Goldstein, 2020). The paper demonstrates how the politics, culture, and even the politics of the state board of education all impact the textbook narratives.
Conclusion
This aspect emphasizes how crucial it is to comprehend the historical context in which history is taught and how it can influence how we perceive the past. According to the article, presenting only one point of view might lead to insufficient or biased knowledge of historical events and personalities (Goldstein, 2020). For instance, Texas textbooks typically stress the state’s contribution to American history (Goldstein, 2020). In contrast, California textbooks typically emphasize the state’s contribution to global history and the contributions of minorities and underrepresented groups.
References
Goldstein, D. (2020). Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories. New York Times. Web.
Vendatam, S. (2013). What does modern prejudice look like? NPR. Web.