Stuff That Interests Me
All The Random Stuff In The World I find Interesting
Monday, April 22, 2024
Forgotten Band: The Waitresses
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Awesome Terrible Movie: Space Raiders
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024
11 Events You Were Taught In School That Never Actually Happened
#1: The First Thanksgiving, never happened that way
Every November, classrooms across the United States come alive with images of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a harmonious feast, marking the origins of Thanksgiving. However, as the years pass and historical scholarship evolves, it becomes increasingly clear that the traditional narrative of the First Thanksgiving, as taught in schools, is far from accurate.
The conventional portrayal of the First Thanksgiving paints a picture of peaceful coexistence between Pilgrims and Native Americans, with both groups coming together to celebrate a bountiful harvest. However, this depiction glosses over the grim realities of colonization and the violent displacement of Indigenous peoples.
In truth, the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620 marked the beginning of a devastating period for Native American communities. European diseases, warfare, and forced assimilation decimated Indigenous populations, making it difficult to imagine a scene of conviviality and shared abundance.
Central to the myth of the First Thanksgiving is the portrayal of Native Americans as passive participants in the Pilgrims' story. However, Indigenous peoples had their own rich cultures, traditions, and histories long before the arrival of European settlers.
Contrary to popular belief, the Wampanoag people, who are often depicted as welcoming hosts at the First Thanksgiving, had complex relationships with the Pilgrims. While there were instances of cooperation and trade between the two groups, these interactions were often fraught with tension and power imbalances.
To understand the true significance of the First Thanksgiving, one must reckon with the broader context of colonization and its lasting repercussions. The arrival of European settlers in North America led to the displacement of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands, the suppression of their languages and cultures, and the imposition of foreign systems of governance.
The First Thanksgiving, far from being a simple celebration of gratitude, was a microcosm of the unequal power dynamics at play during this period. It was not a gathering of equals but rather a moment shaped by colonialism and its profound injustices.
As we confront the myth of the First Thanksgiving, it is essential to rethink how we commemorate this holiday. Rather than perpetuating a sanitized version of history, we should strive to honor the resilience and resistance of Indigenous peoples.
This includes amplifying Indigenous voices, acknowledging the ongoing impact of colonization, and supporting efforts to reclaim and preserve Indigenous cultures and traditions. It also means fostering genuine understanding and reconciliation between Native and non-Native communities.
The story of the First Thanksgiving, as taught in schools, is a myth that obscures more than it reveals. By unpacking the complexities of this historical event, we can begin to confront the legacy of colonization and work towards a more inclusive and truthful understanding of our shared past.
As we gather with loved ones to give thanks each November, let us also reflect on the lessons of history and commit ourselves to building a future grounded in justice, respect, and solidarity. Only then can we truly honor the spirit of Thanksgiving and the diverse tapestry of cultures that enriches our nation.
#2: Columbus did not discover America
For centuries, Christopher Columbus has been celebrated as the intrepid explorer who "discovered" America. However, a closer examination of historical evidence reveals a more nuanced and complex truth. Columbus did not discover America in the traditional sense of the word. In Fact, he never stepped foor in what is known as America, but rather landed in what is known today as Barbatos. Instead, he stumbled upon lands that were already inhabited by diverse Indigenous peoples who had thriving civilizations long before his arrival.
Contrary to popular belief, the Americas were not empty wildernesses waiting to be discovered by European explorers. In fact, the Americas were home to advanced civilizations, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, who had developed sophisticated societies with complex political structures, impressive architectural achievements, and rich cultural traditions.
These civilizations had thriving economies, extensive trade networks, and profound scientific and artistic accomplishments. From the towering pyramids of Mesoamerica to the intricate irrigation systems of the Andes, the indigenous peoples of the Americas had built remarkable civilizations that flourished for thousands of years before Columbus set foot on their shores.
While Columbus is often credited with being the first European to reach the Americas, historical evidence suggests otherwise. In fact, Norse explorers, led by Leif Erikson, established a settlement in present-day Newfoundland, Canada, around the year 1000 AD, nearly 500 years before Columbus's voyage.
The Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows provides compelling evidence of European exploration in North America long before Columbus's famous journey. While the Norse presence in the Americas may have been brief and limited in scope, it nonetheless challenges the notion of Columbus as the discoverer of the New World.
Perhaps the greatest fallacy perpetuated by the myth of Columbus's discovery is the erasure of Indigenous peoples from the narrative. Long before Columbus's arrival, Indigenous peoples had been living, thriving, and exploring the Americas for thousands of years.
From the Inuit of the Arctic to the Mapuche of South America, Indigenous peoples had developed deep connections to their lands, honed intricate knowledge of their environments, and established complex social and cultural systems. They were the true discoverers of America, navigating its rivers and coastlines, charting its landscapes, and building civilizations that shaped the course of history.
While Columbus may not have been the first to reach the Americas, his voyages had profound and far-reaching consequences. Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean marked the beginning of a brutal era of conquest, colonization, and exploitation that decimated Indigenous populations, destroyed cultures, and reshaped the world.
The legacy of Columbus's voyages includes the introduction of European diseases that ravaged Indigenous communities, the imposition of forced labor systems that exploited Indigenous peoples for profit, and the erasure of Indigenous languages, religions, and traditions.
As we reconsider the myth of Columbus's discovery, it becomes clear that the true significance of his voyages lies not in the act of exploration itself, but in the consequences that followed. Columbus's "discovery" of America was not a moment of triumph, but rather the beginning of a tragic chapter in history marked by colonization, exploitation, and violence.
Moving forward, it is essential to redefine our understanding of discovery and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous peoples who have shaped the Americas for millennia. This includes acknowledging the injustices inflicted upon Indigenous communities, supporting efforts to preserve and revitalize Indigenous cultures, and fostering genuine dialogue and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The myth of Columbus as the discoverer of America has long overshadowed the rich and complex history of Indigenous peoples and their civilizations. By challenging this myth and centering Indigenous perspectives, we can begin to reckon with the true legacy of Columbus's voyages and the ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous communities.
As we reflect on the history of the Americas, let us honor the resilience, strength, and wisdom of Indigenous peoples who continue to shape the world today. Only by acknowledging the truths of the past can we build a more just and equitable future for all.
#3: Ben Franklin was a notorious Puffer (making shit up) and never actually flew a kite with a key in a Thunderstorm
Benjamin Franklin is often hailed as one of America's greatest thinkers and inventors, credited with a myriad of accomplishments, including his famous kite experiment. According to popular legend, Franklin flew a kite with a key attached during a thunderstorm, proving the electrical nature of lightning. However, a closer examination of historical evidence suggests that this iconic event may be more myth than reality
The story of Franklin's kite experiment has become deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness, perpetuated through textbooks, children's books, and popular culture. According to the popular narrative, Franklin, curious about the nature of lightning, constructed a kite with a silk string, a key, and a Leyden jar (an early form of capacitor). During a thunderstorm in June 1752, he flew the kite into the clouds, where it attracted lightning. The key conducted the electrical charge down the string and into the Leyden jar, providing evidence of lightning's electrical properties.
However, the historical record surrounding the kite experiment is surprisingly sparse. Franklin himself never published an account of the experiment, and the only written evidence of it comes from a letter he wrote to Peter Collinson, a fellow scientist in England, in October 1752. In the letter, Franklin describes his intentions to conduct the experiment but provides few details about its execution.
One of the most significant challenges to the authenticity of the kite experiment is the absence of contemporary documentation. Despite Franklin's prolific writings and correspondence, there are no detailed accounts or diagrams of the experiment in his papers. Furthermore, none of Franklin's contemporaries, including Collinson, mentioned the experiment in their own writings until years later.
Historians have also pointed out the practical challenges and risks associated with flying a kite in a thunderstorm. The use of a metal key, in particular, would have posed a significant danger to Franklin, as it could have attracted a lightning strike directly to him. Given Franklin's meticulous approach to scientific inquiry, it seems unlikely that he would have taken such unnecessary risks without careful planning and preparation.
The enduring popularity of the kite experiment story speaks to the larger phenomenon of mythologizing historical figures and events. Franklin's reputation as a pioneering scientist and statesman has contributed to the elevation of his status to near-legendary proportions. The kite experiment, whether fact or fiction, has become emblematic of Franklin's ingenuity and curiosity, reinforcing his image as a quintessential American hero.
However, by perpetuating myths like the kite experiment, we risk distorting our understanding of history and obscuring the true achievements of figures like Franklin. Rather than focusing on sensationalized anecdotes, we should strive to appreciate Franklin's genuine contributions to science, politics, and society, which are more than deserving of recognition in their own right.
Whether or not Franklin conducted the kite experiment as commonly believed, his legacy as a pioneering thinker, inventor, and statesman endures. By critically examining historical myths and separating fact from fiction, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the past and appreciate the true achievements of historical figures like Benjamin Franklin.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Monday, April 15, 2024
Forgotten Bands: The Outfield
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Awesome Terrible Movie: Over The Top
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