When I was young I was taught Columbus discovered America
America wasn't the name and Indians didn't come from India
Didn't tell us about the government we stole from the Iroquois and Seneca
We weren't told we infected them with smallpox and chlamydia
They didn't mention that, at ten, George Washington owned slaves
Lincoln gave us income tax, started the Civil War
Forgot to mention Japanese in interment camps, had soldier sons in graves
We were taught to memorize and not explore
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Author:
sorenbarrett (
Offline) - Published: March 10th, 2025 03:34
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 230
- Users favorite of this poem: Teddy.15, Friendship, Tristan Robert Lange, rebellion_in_sanity, Cheeky Missy
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Comments15
I had the very same textbooks and lessons 🙏🏻🕊️
My teacher insisted that there was no history before America was discovered and it was unimportant where Columbus came from. Thanks for the read and comment my friend. Oh yes some of the pages had been torn out of those textbooks they said something about redacted.
A history of revising, that’s to be expected., 🙏🏻🕊️
Indeed they only share what they want us to know, most interesting and brilliant eye opening and reflective piece. Brilliant 🌹
Thanks so much my friend for the read and comment as always it is most appreciated. Yes some is due to ignorance, some to control and manipulation.
Universal shadow zones ...
Thanks Lorenz appreciate the read and comment.
Wow history can be horrific. I never studied history at school and I'm glad.This poem is enlightening
Thanks David for the read and comment it is as always appreciated
Precicely Soren. What is History? certainly the most contestable of the Social Sciences. And the most interesting.....
Thanks Dave for the read and comment appreciated as always.
Nicely worded, Soren, Your poem critiques the traditional narratives taught in American history, highlighting significant omissions that distort the reality of the nation’s past. You address the misconceptions surrounding figures like Columbus and Washington, the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples, slavery, and the treatment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The underlying message emphasizes the importance of exploring and understanding history beyond simplified and sanitized versions. You seem to challenge the reader to question accepted narratives and seek a deeper understanding of history, urging a reevaluation of what is taught in schools and the importance of acknowledging past injustices.
Right on target. I guess the message was clear enough. Thanks so much for the read and understanding comment it is appreciated.
If Americans were told the truth of how America came about and whoose blood it was built on, it might be a better country today , powerful and to the point write, enjoyed
Thank you so much I appreciate the read and the support. Your words mean a great deal.
You are very welcome
"Hey teachers, leave us kids alone". A certain song started playing in my head and, even though the double negative in "we don't need no education" causes all sorts of debate, the overall warning of institutional brainwashing comes starkly through...in that song as it does in this poem. Well done on this piece, Soren. A much needed poem in a culture that seems destined to double down in its whitewashing. Sad...but true. 🌹👏 A fave for its importance let alone the stark truth it bears.
Thank you so much Tristan. Yes I remember well Pink Floyd The wall. It was always one of my favorite concept albums. Appreciate the read and comment.
You are most welcome, my friend!
Great write
Thanks Tony
You're welcome
Right on. If the propaganda were eliminated from public education, students would learn much much more. Manifest Destiny indeed. A little Howard Zinn history would go a long way. Well done.
Thank you so much for the read and comment it is always appreciated.
Powerful poem!!
Thank you Salvia I appreciate your read and comment
Damn right .. there are so many untruths and injustices we are introduced to and repeatedly indoctrinated to accept without question .. School has such an awful lot to answer for .. I'm firmly in your corner with this one sir sorenbarrett .. Neville
Thanks Neville for the read and words of support they are appreciated as always. School taught me not to believe everything I read or am told.
One of the most powerful introspective poems I have ever come across. Granted that my readings are quite limited, still it's pure gold. Btw this poem has an universal appeal as I suspect the history of many countries have been shaped by acceptable narrative and not facts.
Thanks so much for the read my friend your comments are always valued and your support highly appreciated
We grow wiser with age and learn that not everything taught in school is based on fact. Indoctrination comes to mind, and that applies to universities too. Best do your own research to try and find some balance.
Thanks so much Cassie for your read of this piece and your most kind and supportive comment.
Yes, I know what you mean.
When I was in School, History was just about the Romans in Britain: Nothing else . It was only when I left I read History books and discovered more .
Teachers can be a bit ‘One Sided’ in matters. Good Write.
Thank you so much for the read and comment they mean a great deal.
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