tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4595253270791554701.post8202122349927309882..comments2023-10-31T09:50:07.091-06:00Comments on Marko Polo: History...Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07072259264111848667noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4595253270791554701.post-80497499822931614092009-11-18T17:32:27.940-06:002009-11-18T17:32:27.940-06:00I am the descendant of vikings, potato growers, wa...I am the descendant of vikings, potato growers, warriors and survivors. I am the descendant of pagans, christians, Native Americans... when I sleep I dream of Vahala, wine, and mystic lands. I dream of Industrial cities where men and women worked tirelessly in dirt and grime. I am the stedfast ship, a woman's smile, and a carpentar's hand. I am their longing and their victory.Elliot Spicerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00167586095379554275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4595253270791554701.post-51347420781773638582009-11-11T00:55:35.413-06:002009-11-11T00:55:35.413-06:00We live in a fairly individualistic culture. Of c...We live in a fairly individualistic culture. Of course we are profoundly (and largely subconsciously) shaped by our history (I think "culture" is more appropriate, since the latter turns into the former over time), but at the same time, we as white Americans--with our personal varied pasts--tend to see ourselves more as single, unique individuals than as members of some abstract "society." Hence a competitive attitude, rat race, dog-eat-dog world.<br /><br />Of course that, too, is a product of our history....<br /><br />But what I'm saying is that by and large we don't choose to identify with our collective past. We acknowledge it, but think that we can somehow "overcome" it or rise above it or invalidate it through our own personal choices.Mozarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06098420179804637111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4595253270791554701.post-38062649251759899962009-11-10T20:38:48.071-06:002009-11-10T20:38:48.071-06:00I agree with you Mark that it is difficult to find...I agree with you Mark that it is difficult to find our historical connections and our identities because of our "white-washing," which I think is an appropriate term.<br /><br />There are a few ways I'm looking at this conundrum. One is through the lens of white (and to an extent male) privilege. We have never needed to rely on a unified community to draw inspiration from or connect with because our humanity and individual worth has never been called into question. Therefore, those with privilege need no roots to hold onto for support. But that does not deny that we certainly have a heritage and we are products of it. <br /><br />So then we get into the idea of histories. I think it is fair to say that the American heritage you referenced is controversial at best and disgusting at worst. But I also think that we have to come back to the idea of the "white-washed" history. History is not one dominant paradigm that continues to flow and define all of our existences. There are histories that reflect a diverse range of voices. It is important to break down history and examine all of its parts before saying that you have no history or that your heritage is devoid of inspiration moments. <br /><br />So I guess it comes down to one question: where do you and I find our heritage? You can look where you want, I suppose. But it is also important that regardless of your heritage, you do have agency and you are a living being today. You can look back on what you see as your heritage (regardless of whether it is good or bad) and you can critique, change, or embrace principles and actions. In fact, I believe much of the problem with white American history is relying far too heavily on the past, too much white-washed history. We want to be who our ancestors were, and in fact, we need to learn and grow where those before us failed and hold fast to the principles of the past that upheld dignity...<br /><br />Whew. So much more I could say, but that's wordy enough for now.Matt Frierdichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11451509390458973780noreply@blogger.com