Directions:
Since this course is focused around the theme of “perception,” it requires us to examine aspects of the world in which we live from not only different perspectives but also examine why these difference of perceptions exist. We are continuing on this examination by intertwining perception and interpretation, or reinterpretation for that matter. The focus of this essay is based on Malcom Gladwell’s podcast “Revisionist History.” Gladwell’s focus is to “go back and reinterpret something from the past: an event, a person, an idea. Something overlooked. Something misunderstood.” Ultimately, since much of how we “see,” “live,” or “understand” in this world is based on historical (long past or recent), it becomes important for us to examine fully events, people, or an idea/concept. Many argue that history is controlled by a select few. We can also argue that those that document history or report it are often controlled as well. However you believe it, it becomes critical for people to revisit histories and attempt to interpret it from different perceptions/perspectives.
A bit about Revisionist History: “In historiography, the term historical revisionism identifies the re-interpretation of the historical record. It usually means challenging the orthodox views held by professional scholars about a historical event, or introducing new evidence, or of restating the motivations and decisions of the participant people. The revision of the historical record reflects the new discoveries of fact, evidence, and interpretation, which produce a revised history. In dramatic cases, revisionism involves a reversal of older moral judgments about heroes and villains.
At a basic level, historical revisionism is a common and not especially controversial process of developing and refining the writing of history. Much more controversial is the reversal of moral findings, which the heroes, good guys, or positive forces are depicted as villains, bad guys, or negative forces. This revisionism is quickly challenged by the supporters of the old view, often in heated terms. It becomes historical negationism, a form of historical revisionism that presents a re-interpretation of the moral meaning of the historical record. The term “revisionism” is used pejoratively by people who charge that revisionists are deliberately distorting the true historical record.”
Approach:
For this essay, you will begin by selecting a topic that you feel is worth a revisit so to speak which can be any one of the following types of topics: select an event (historical, biblical, political, movement etc), person (‘influential’, historical, public, etc), an idea (this is an ideology, a political concept, law, policy, etc), or revisit how some aspect of history is presented in some space (this can be textbook, media, book etc) and provide your take on the topic you selected and provide evidence to support your interpretation of it through a well written essay. I address some of these concepts in more depth in the video provided. Some examples for topics to explore:
– How the Tulsa Race Massacre (Links to an external site.) is not presented in history textbooks – Your essay might be your take on why that might be the case or perhaps it sheds a perspective on current issues today. It will NOT be an essay on just repeating what is already provided through sources like these.
– It can be a current case (Links to an external site.) that might shed some light on some aspects of the justice system. One, for example, is a severe punishment for an inmate having possession of a cellphone in prison.
These are just a couple of examples, but you can turn to Gladwell’s podcast for other examples on how you might revisit a topic, etc. Keep in mind, primary sources are going to be important for this essay.
Considerations: The goal here is to do exactly what Gladwell aims to do through his podcasts: “…examine the way the passage of time changes and enlightens our understanding of the world around us.” There is no “right” answer to this essay as it is exploratory in nature but as all exploration of historical events, evidence becomes important! This will be a good time to explore something that you feel needs a second look.
Requirements:
Length: 4 pages
Sources: This will be important. For each piece of evidence or attempts at facts, be sure to cite appropriately. Fact checking will take place.
Style: MLA
The post Directions:
Since this course is focused around the theme of “perception,” it re appeared first on Essaybrook.