Is 'The Great American Story' Whitewashed History?

The recent advertisement of 'The Great American Story' on the sidebar of and its promotion by Hillsdale College for homeschooling has sparked debates about its accuracy and potential biases. This article aims to delve into the question: is 'The Great American Story' a whitewashed history?

An Overview of Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College, a private institution founded in 1844 in Michigan, is well-known for its conservative and Christian ethos. It has taken a principled stand by opting out of federal support to avoid compliance with Title IX anti-discrimination requirements. This decision underscores the institution's commitment to a certain ideological framework, which is reflected in their education programs and publications.

The Great American Story: An Analytical Perspective

'The Great American Story' is a curriculum designed for homeschooling and online learning. According to proponents, it offers a comprehensive American history education that aligns with conservative values. However, a critical examination reveals whether this curriculum is indeed a reflection of whitewashed history.

A Comparison with Historical Standard

One of the primary concerns about the curriculum is the starting point of American history. Traditional American history textbooks often begin with the founding in 1776, marking the establishment of the United States as a nation. In contrast, 'The Great American Story' might emphasize an earlier date, such as 1619, as the foundation of American history. By starting in 1619, the curriculum shifts the narrative to focus on the arrival of African slaves, highlighting issues of race and migration from the very beginning.

Accusations of Bias and Whitewashing

The accusation of whitewashing in history often arises when certain aspects of the past are overlooked or downplayed to present a more favorable narrative. Critics argue that 'The Great American Story' may be guilty of this by glossing over inconvenient truths or omitting important historical events.

Historical Accuracy and Objectivity

A robust analysis of the curriculum reveals that it does not necessarily emulate contemporary whitewashed histories but rather presents a narrative that aligns with conservative values. In this context, it is important to note that the starting point of 1776, recognized by 'The Great American Story,' is a commonly accepted historical fact. The document Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, marking the formal declaration of independence from Britain, and the founding of the United States as a sovereign nation. This framework, while not perfect, is grounded in historical accuracy and provides a cohesive starting point for the narrative of American history.

Conclusion

After a careful evaluation, it can be concluded that 'The Great American Story' is not inherently whitewashed history. While it aligns with a conservative viewpoint, it adheres to a commonly accepted historical timeline and focuses on the establishment of the United States as a nation in 1776. Contrary to some accusations, other histories that start from 1619 are indeed biased, as they emphasize a different narrative that could be seen as selective in the context of American history.

References

Chappell, D. (2019). ‘The Great American Story’ Guide Projected to Add a Lesson in Every Unit for Homeschooling. Forbes, 1-3. Hillsdale College. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.hillsdale.edu/about/

For those interested in exploring further, reading primary documents from 1776, such as the Declaration of Independence, can provide a solid foundation for understanding the official start of the United States.