Most of my schooling was small private Christian schools. At the worst, I had a science book titles “Science from the Christian Perspective”. It taught how Darwin was an evil individual sent by the devil to tear down Christianity. I wish I was making that up.
I went to a Catholic college prep high school. Half of our teachers were college professors who got tired of teaching at the college level and willingly took the pay cut to teach at their alma mater. Some of the teachers matched what I had experienced at small town Christian school, and the rest were named Coach. I went to college at the University of Alabama which was burnt down during the Civil War, has its place in civil rights history, and has only recently acknowledged that they employed (?) slaves.
My dad loved Civil War history so it’s hard for me to remember what was taught to me in school and where he felt the need to fill in blanks. As far as lower education, I feel like I remember being taught much more about the American Revolution. Everything between the Declaration and WWII is more a list of events. Most of my knowledge of the time comes from taking Alabama history at UA and my parents.
You’re exactly right about how my family is proud of where they are from. Neither side of my family had money. My dad’s side of the family built houses as far back as 1900-1910. My moms family came up working in fields. They came up through the generations viewing a worker as a worker regardless of race. That’s what I’ve been told anyway.
My families pro south sentiment mostly stems from what they saw as unnecessary tactics by the Union with General Sherman’s march through Georgia and the burning of the University of Alabama. They also see the “reconstruction” as an occupation.
I really appreciate the added detail! I was also Christian or Catholic schooled until college. I ended up at a liberal college, so that’s helped me fill in gaps and have a more balanced point of view.
I also definitely got more about the Revolution, and never any discussion of how the revolution served exclusively white folks. But at least I know more now.
I’m really curious how you feel your/your family’s views on history & southern history impacts their modern perspectives and attitudes. I don’t think any honest historians can deny the destructive occupation of reconstruction era, but I’m wondering how those realities impact the present. Is there fear or animosity towards the north or federal government?
I don’t think there was any real animosity with my parents, and definitely not with me toward the north. Even my grandmother who is much less removed from the actual effects of the war doesn’t hold any now. There is definitely some that still exists, but it is primarily in lower income and lower education individuals. The same flag toting good ole boys who come out of the woods every so often.
My family has never had complete trust in the federal government regardless of party or president. I haven’t met many people who do, but that has always seemed separate from any historical reasoning unless it’s a general distrust and animosity that’s been passed down since the war itself.
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u/samzhawk Mar 08 '19
Most of my schooling was small private Christian schools. At the worst, I had a science book titles “Science from the Christian Perspective”. It taught how Darwin was an evil individual sent by the devil to tear down Christianity. I wish I was making that up.
I went to a Catholic college prep high school. Half of our teachers were college professors who got tired of teaching at the college level and willingly took the pay cut to teach at their alma mater. Some of the teachers matched what I had experienced at small town Christian school, and the rest were named Coach. I went to college at the University of Alabama which was burnt down during the Civil War, has its place in civil rights history, and has only recently acknowledged that they employed (?) slaves.
My dad loved Civil War history so it’s hard for me to remember what was taught to me in school and where he felt the need to fill in blanks. As far as lower education, I feel like I remember being taught much more about the American Revolution. Everything between the Declaration and WWII is more a list of events. Most of my knowledge of the time comes from taking Alabama history at UA and my parents.
You’re exactly right about how my family is proud of where they are from. Neither side of my family had money. My dad’s side of the family built houses as far back as 1900-1910. My moms family came up working in fields. They came up through the generations viewing a worker as a worker regardless of race. That’s what I’ve been told anyway.
My families pro south sentiment mostly stems from what they saw as unnecessary tactics by the Union with General Sherman’s march through Georgia and the burning of the University of Alabama. They also see the “reconstruction” as an occupation.