If you haven't read Jeremy's article review (a few posts below)- do! I especially agreed with his last paragraph, and would like to stretch that thought one step further.
I think the very nature of our Social Studies texts these days reinforce the idea of "us" and "the other," especially in regards to BC's history. Why do we need separate texts for the European perspective and Native perspective in BC history? Understandably there is a lot of content to cover if you're trying to represent "both" sides fairly and equally. However, if we are trying to nurture citizens of the country and encourage a mutual respect among all peoples, is it not counterproductive to be promoting an us vs. them mentality (even if unknowingly)? Perhaps it is not even as obvious as "us vs. them" but "their history vs. my history." I think the reality is that our history is inextricably jumbled together as a tangled web of relationships, voices, stories and views. Whether we care to admit it or not, it's our history, and a bit of a mess at that. The challenge in writing and selecting excellent texts for use in our classes suddenly seems more daunting.
So then, as we think about what texts to use in our classrooms- what books and articles and videos and music to show and play- I think we need to be very careful in examining not only the content but the underlying message. Are we sending out a message that promotes the idea of two sides? Rarely is history so black and white!
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The dominant narrative of Canadian history relies heavily on non-aboriginal written sources, while often excluding First Nations oral history or placing a lesser value on it. That's one of the reasons why there is a divorce between non-aboriginal and First Nations history.
In some cases oral history and written history tell the same story. Other times, there stories are completely different. That's ok.
We should embrace these differences; we should highlight these differences. There is nothing wrong with having two sides.
I agree with you that history is a "tangled web of relationships, voices, stories and views".
There are many First Nations narratives and immigrant narratives that create "our" Canadian history. We should try to present these narratives unadulterated.
I agree history is rarely black and white - meaning there is rarely one single true narrative
On the other hand, history is not just one big gray narrative either. It’s a collection of narratives.
I'd rather show students a variety of "other" narratives, than attempt to assimilate unique narratives into a master narrative.
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