It’s safe to say that as a fully grown college educated adult I am perfectly capable of understanding an opinion. I have zero confusion on your stance and know exactly what you are trying to say. And you most certainly did take issue with my article because you engaged in that comment someone else made attempting to clarify (or as I like to call mansplain).
We are all entitled to our viewpoint but I firmly believe when it comes to history and telling the story of someone’s life, no one has the right to decide what is relevant and what isn’t. History is required to be told in totality. If it isn’t it creates serious ramifications.
This country’s origin story speaks not just about certain aspects of governing that may not require discussion of someone’s personal practices or flaws, it talks about the men who created the ideals this country was founded upon. So it makes sense that when history is told, ALL of it should be told because as Americans we all have a right to know the full story.
And to be clear, when I say ALL naturally we may not know every single dynamic about these men who lived hundreds of years ago. But the DOCUMENTED FACTS should be told. Without question. That should never be up for discussion but as I have grown up in this racist country, I am all too familiar with facts being picked over and chosen only when it benefits White folk.
Imagine a young Black teenaged girl growing up believing Jefferson was a saint only to find out that he raped and fathered 6 children with a girl her age. This may not mean much to you, but for my community it furthers the traumatic we are already experiencing.
The truth about the founding fathers should be taught when they are introduced into any school’s curriculum. The information can be tailored to each age group but I see nothing wrong with elementary children knowing the majority of them were slaver owners. This isn’t something that should be divulged sparingly or when people feel it’s “appropriate”. The whole truth should be told regardless.
Trust me, I understand your position completely. But as someone who is not Black, I believe it’s impossible for you to ever understand mine, as it will be for most of White America. When the truth is doled out when White America believes it’s “appropriate” or “relevant” it allows for stereotypes to continue, for lack of understanding of how institutionalized racism began with the founding fathers, and allows men who are mere mortals to be gods with monuments in their honor.
I realize this can go on forever so I’ll end it here. Maybe someone else reading our exchange will take something from seeing the opinions from
both sides.
