#IndependenceDay #July4 #history #AmericanHistory #TeachingHistory #AmericanExceptionalism
“American Exceptionalism” was once celebrated.
Then, others came along and told us that America has done so many bad things throughout history, that it may not be such as exception.
Beverly Gage, a history professor at Yale University, has taken a road trip to historical sites in America, and believes that all history, good and bad, should be taught.
She highlights it in her book, “This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History.” She talked about the book on “Fareed Zacharia GPS” on CNN May 10, 2026.
History is often viewed with a point of view. Some don’t want the bad parts of U.S. history to be taught in schools. But, to paraphrase an old adage, ALL history needs to be taught, or the bad things will be repeated.
Those who believe in “American Exceptionalism” want to downplay, or not teach at all, America’s history of slavery and other types of discrimination.
Though over the 250 years of the country’s existence the country has prospered, not everyone has shared in that prosperity, nor, have shared in it to greater or lesser degrees.
Those who believe in “American Exceptionalism” generally want to take the country back to a time when life was simpler. But, history IS the past and the present may or may not resemble it.
It might be fair to say that today’s America does not resemble America from 50, 60 or 70 years ago. As much as we may want to relive those eras, the progress the country has made over that time will never allow it.
But, those past decades can teach lessons. They can teach us what we SHOULD do now, and what we SHOULDN’T do now.
The actions in each category differ depending on the point of view.
We tend to think of history as a set of facts that we memorize in school. But, even children need to learn to discern the good and bad from history. They should learn to cherish and preserve the good, and not to repeat the bad.
One can appreciate and be grateful to his or her ancestors, but do not have to emulate some of their behaviors.
One can appreciate the hardships his or her ancestors endured, and be grateful he or she no longer has to endure them.
One can also see the behavior of current Americans, and make wise choices whether to emulate them.
As the country celebrates 250 years of existence, it’s good to embrace the good, but learn the bad so as not to embrace it.
Compared to the history of other countries, there is much to appreciate about America’s journey.
The next 250-year journey may be totally different from past journeys. Hopefully, then, Americans will then embrace the good about the past and learn about the bad so as not to embrace it.
So, this Independence Day, celebrate. Know that the road to get where we are was, at times, rocky and, at other times, a glide path.
Know that our individual experiences could be very different. But, all are worth celebrating.
Peter