Tell me what you really think.
Nero? Constantine? Ralph Waldo Emerson?
Give me anyone who actually contributed to the world rather than someone who just existed and conquered lands any day.
Ok, Mamacita - there are some people in your list who *I* don't know. How about a weekly history lesson on your blog? That'd be cool!
My HS freshman history teacher said that there are two kinds of history teachers. The "Where and When" and the "How and Why" teachers. He was a firm believer that How and Why was more important because "any idiot can memorize some names and dates", and my meager education has brought me to agree with him. I recognized most of those names but I did have to google a few of them for more information.
Many of the people you mentioned were important and significant, but when would you want them taught? Ira Hayes' story is tragic, but not terribly relevant to the overall events of WW II unless you're doing an in depth study.
The "first" woman doctor, a woman astronomer who discovered an obscure comet, and the former slave who almost led a revolt may deserve recognition, but is leaving them out of a high school textbook really that terrible?
I can understand using any of these names to emphasize a point, but I'm really not sure that not knowing all of them is that tragic.
However, I would second what Mrs. Chili said. From your list, it looks like there's 17 weeks worth of lessons for us, and I'd sure be interested to hear your views on them.
Valid points, all. Can anyone describe the difference between Alexander Graham Bell's Watson, Watson of the team that discovered the structure of DNA, and Sherlock Holmes' Watson? I'd wager most couldn't.
Way OT: My blog has a new URL:
http://walkinbrain.wesflinn.com
WF
I don't know all of the people on your list either. I'm a pretty bright gal. But brains and knowledge are two different things and different lives cross different paths. I will agree that there are many heroes sung and unsung. Two of mine are my husband and my mother. One last thought too - there is only so much time in the classroom and only so many people and the impact they had on the world can be discussed.
Ugh, history. I know you're right, but ... I don't know some of the ones that ARE in the history books. :/ Being a science major, I know Lister. Alberts not so much.
I love the unsung heros! They are the real movers and shakers of history. I've written about a few including Ike Hoover (not related to Herbert) and John Quitman.
Wonderful list!
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