Why History Matters (Mr. D's Class)

(First day of class in Mr. D's US History course.)

Mr. D--Everybody settle down.  (Amongst various groans and moans the class of 34 gets to their assigned seats, except for Anthony.)  Anthony, could you find your seat please and put away the cell phone.

Anthony--Awww...Mr. D, be cool.

Mr. D--I don't get paid to be cool but to teach you history.

Tia:  What's on the agenda today, Mr. D?  Nice fitting polo by the way.  You workout?

Mr. D--Ummm...yeah, thanks Tia.  Before we get into the amazing story of the United States, I thought we ought to talk about what history is.

Anthony--That shit sounds boring!  (A few chuckles form the class.)

Mr. D--Anthony that's a warning for language.  Another outburst and you are out of here (Mr. D makes a gesture like an umpire throwing a player out of the game.)  Although, Anthony, you are right, like any subject in school history can be boring.

Jimmy--Yo, Mr. D.  The answer is simple.  It's stuff that happened in the past.

Mr. D--Ok, let's run with that.  Anyone disagree?

Pablo--Cuz...it ain't everything that happened in the past.  Just because I picked my nose yesterday don't mean that's history.

Jimmy--If it's a righteously big booger it might.  (Laughter)

Mr. D--Hang on.  You both bring up important points.  Does anyone disagree that history is stuff that happened in the past?  (No responses)  Ok.  Does anyone disagree that history is important stuff that happened in the past.  (A few mumbles but no disagreement.)  So you are both right.

Monica--(tentatively raising her hand)  Uhh, Mr. D.  How do we know what's important and what's not?

Maria--That's a good question.  My people, La Familia, are marginalized in the history books with very little being written.  So they aren't important?

Mr. D--Good question Monica, and Maria, There are books out there about Mexican history from all points of view.  I encourage you to read some, but when time is limited certain choices have to be made.  I'm not saying it's fair or right, but it is the reality.  (Maria pouts, not completely convinced.)

Mr. D--Take a look at this quote.  (Mr. D projects a quotation onto the projector screen.)

“History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illuminated reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.” –Cicero

Anthony--I don't know what the f*&k that says.

Mr. D--Bye, Anthony.  Go see Mr. Chase about your choice of words.  I'll call and let him know you're coming.  This is one of my favorite quotes regarding history.

Tia--It is a very eloquent quote.

Chad--(In a deep, subdued voice, his 6' 4" athletic frame barely fitting the desk) Mr. D, who is Cicero?

Tia--He's got to be a guy that's muy importante, right Mr. D.  I mean he's known by just one name like Beyoncé, Madonna, and Usher.

Mr. D--Very true Tia.  Cicero was a Roman lawyer and statesman from the ancient times.  He is known as one of the great speakers in history.  So what do you think he meant by history testifying "to the passing of time?"

Monica--It's what we have already been talking about.  It is the things that happened in the past.  But Cicero says it like it's something wonderful and of value.

Jimmy--Yeah, Mo....it's like Bruce Lee, dude.  He's gone but still revered in the annals of martial arts lore.  Whoa, that was a deep thought right there.

Mr. D--Alright, that sounds good, and Jimmy feel free to rest your brain some (laughter even from Jimmy).  The next part says, "illuminates reality."  What does that mean?

Maria--The truth.  It means it's a search for the truth.  But I think that's BS, Mr. D.  The winners write the history.  The losers are left behind.

Mr. D--And forty years ago I would agree, but in the past forty years new areas of historical research have opened up looking into the history of the poor, the working class, the losers, so to speak.  We have a richer history because of it. 

Chad--It's a goal.  Reaching the truth or reality is the goal.  It's like football.  Your goal is a section championship and you might not get there, but you strive for it.  If the historian is honest, then he searches for the truth.  (Class nods their heads in agreement.)

Mr. D--Very insightful Chad.  The next part might be tougher.  History "vitalizes memory."  Any ideas?

Pablo--Makes it sound like work, Mr. D.  Like you got to think about it.

Tia--Yeah.  Like when I'm trying to decide between two outfits.  I have to weigh the pros and cons and think about what it would look on me...well, I know everything looks fab on me...but with history it is like a thinking activity.

Mr. D--Tell me if I am getting this right.  Cicero is saying that history exercise the mind by vitalizing the memory.  It teaches us things, for example, how to judge two different opinions, or two outfits.  It requires that we understand cause and effect and bias.

Tia--You put it in such easy to understanding terms Mr. D.  Just like me in a fab pair of pink shorts, you are fab at teaching us stuff. 

Maria--(under her breath) Kiss up.

Mr. D--Ok what about the rest of the quote?  Does history provide guidance in our daily lives?

Jimmy--(waking up from a short nap)  Well, if you ask mwah, most people are not contemplating the meaning of life or analyzing the news on a daily basis.

Maria--Well people ought to be keeping up with the way that government is abusing the rights of the people.  The problem is that everyone uses history their own way.

Mr. D--And why do they get away with that?

Pablo--Because people are stupid like my homie Salvador.  That fool don't even know who the Prez is.

Mr. D--So if people actually know history then they won't be fooled as much?  They might ask the right questions about things?  (class nods, except for Maria)

Tia--But Mr. D doesn't history teach us about personal things too?  I remember reading that book in like 5th grade about the girl that couldn't see or hear...

Maria--(sarcastically)  Helen Keller?

Tia--Yeah!  That's her.  I mean I actually read the whole book...and let me tell you that don't happen a lot.  I mean I'll read a Cosmo from cover to cover, but school books, oh no...

Mr. D--Tia your point.

Tia--Oh yeah.  You're so sweet Mr. D for holding me to task.  Anyway, I figured if Helen Keller can overcome those obstacles then I could overcome my stutter.

Pablo--Ha Ha!  I remember you in fourth grade.  Mr. D get this.  Tia wouldn't say anything because if she tried it was like, "MMMMaayy III ggooo ttooo thththee babaththroom?"

Tia--Yeah well check me out now.  I look good and can speak clearly.

Pablo--It's cool, no offense.

Mr. D--Very good Tia.  People can learn from history to deal with problems or challenges they face or their community faces.  History has something for everyone.  Well the bell is about to ring.  Start reading Chapter One.  Adios!

Tia--(walks up to Mr. D's desk and puts a Hershey's kiss on it)  A sweet for  a sweetie.  Bye Mr. D.