Read the material carefully including quotations on slavery from each president, and write a 3-5 page paper double-spaced answering the following questions
1. Did you already know how many slaves the presidents held?
2. Were you surprised by any of the information you read?
3. Why isn't this information more widely known and taught?
4. How does prejudice influence the historical record?
5. Is it fair to judge presidents who lived a long time ago?
6. Does the slave record of U.S. presidents matter today?
7. Should Andrew Jackson be removed from the $20 bill? Why?
8. Do you favor U.S. government reparations for slavery? Why?
What material? We have no access to your assigned reading.
I don't know what course you are taking, but be cautious: Viewing the glory of nature and man through colored windows can lead not only to pink landscapes, but blackened trees. View the world through clear glass as well as filtered views. Sometimes rose colored glass is nice to look through (like my sunglasses), but the real world has many hues. These early presidents shouldn't be judged on their culture of the time, or on a single issue. They all stood tall establishing and guiding our nation.
Don't let folks tell you to decipher the color of trees through tinted glass.
To answer these questions and write the 3-5 page paper, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by carefully reading the material that provides information on slavery and quotes from each president. Take notes on the number of slaves held by each president.
2. While reading, make note of any surprising information that you come across. This could be anything that you did not expect or that challenges your preconceptions.
3. To understand why this information may not be widely known and taught, research and analyze the historical context. Look into factors such as the dominant narratives, educational curriculum, and societal biases that may have influenced the omission of this information from mainstream knowledge.
4. When examining the influence of prejudice on the historical record, analyze how biases and prejudices of individuals involved in documenting history can affect the accuracy and representation of historical events. Consider how political, social, and cultural prejudices can shape the narratives of history.
5. To determine whether it is fair to judge presidents who lived a long time ago, you can contemplate the moral and ethical standards that were prevalent during the time. Consider the societal norms, legal frameworks, and prevailing beliefs of the era. Additionally, examine whether these historical figures had opportunities to express alternative views or actions.
6. Evaluate the relevance of the slave record of U.S. presidents in today's society. Consider how historical events shape modern institutions, policies, and social inequalities. Reflect on the enduring impact of slavery on different communities and the significance of acknowledging and understanding past injustices.
7. When analyzing whether Andrew Jackson should be removed from the $20 bill, examine his historical record, including his role in perpetuating slavery or advocating for policies harmful to marginalized groups. Consider the values and principles that should guide decisions regarding the symbolism and representation of American currency.
8. When forming an opinion on U.S. government reparations for slavery, research and consider different perspectives on the topic. Weigh the arguments for and against reparations, considering factors such as historical injustices, economic implications, and social justice principles.
By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you should be able to provide well-informed and well-supported responses to each question in your 3-5 page paper.