I Was Thinking... What Are Americans?
As a history teacher, I had a strong desire to let students know who we were as a nation. This included proudly presenting the development of a democratic republic based on constitutional principles like nowhere else in the world. The “can do” American spirit of explorers, pioneers, and industrialists were profound examples of what an individual could achieve.
Unlike many European and even Asian countries that strived to be culturally pure, America showed that the mix of races, cultures and ethnic backgrounds was the melting pot that gave our country its unique American culture. Our food, music, and even our language drew on a wide variety of diverse backgrounds to become American.
While there are some efforts to whitewash our history, the history teachers I worked with were determined to write curriculums that showed a balanced view of America. This meant discussing issues like slavery, government corruption, and Native American relocation. We endeavored to show our history with warts and all, the good and the bad.
Kids quickly see through anyone who tries to present a totally one-sided view. Did our own personal biases influence how and what we taught, probably, but that is probably true with everyone. Personal bias affects how everyone does their job, including parents, reporters, broadcasters, ministers, coaches, contractors, or salesmen.
Teaching American history was more than having kids remember dates and events. It was more about who we are as a people. The struggles to tame a wilderness. The struggle of new immigrants to find a place in society. The struggle of any group to gain the rights they felt they deserved.
We struggled with political ideologies and philosophies. We differed on many issues and even went to war with ourselves. But often times, it was those differences that made us strong. We didn’t have to all conform to some type of “government determined” view of life or society as was true in totalitarian regimes. The freedoms we held so dear allowed us to think for ourselves even when we disagreed.
As much as we celebrate our diversity, it has been our unity that also makes us stand out. When our very lifestyle was attacked during WWII by countries determined to dominate and take away those individual freedoms, we pulled together. Even before we became totally involved, we did everything possible to help other democracies to fight tyrants by providing military support.
After WWII we continued to support those opposing forces that took away freedom. Even today when a country like Russia uses aggression against a sovereign country and its people, we don’t just stand and watch, we act. It is who we are.
It isn’t just in military conflicts with which we get involved. Our national unity and generosity is exhibited every time there is a national disaster somewhere in the world. The devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria again showed the humanitarian efforts that are so truly American. We send aid, we send volunteers, and the American public donates millions. And it isn’t just foreign causes we respond to. Americans volunteer to help neighbors whether it be natural disasters or just outpouring of support for a family going through tough times. We are a compassionate people. It is who we are.
As much as I would have liked to have taught that we were a perfect nation, I never did. We had our problems and continue to struggle with new problems. But struggles have always been a part of our national character. Many of those struggles have made us better. We have always had conflicts but usually have found ways to overcome them. The government we established protects our right to be different and fostered that American individualism we so value. That is who we are.
Did You Ever Wonder? — How can there be interstate highways in Hawaii?
Photo: I was thinking Ron Albright