In our home school, the study of history has been enlivened by reading from a variety of perspectives. When confronted by information and opinions and interpretations that contradict our current take on the matter, we are forced to research, evaluate, and either defend our own status quo or allow it to be shaped by new information or even supplanted if the new evidence proves itself strong enough. Our view becomes stronger or it comes closer to the truth or both.
So I find contrarian articles like this one to be an interesting challenge. Now in this particular case, I happen to believe that the author has some valid points. But my post today is not to argue for celebrating Happy Secession Day rather than 4th of July - it is simply to encourage other parents not to be afraid of opposing viewpoints. Students will encounter them sooner or later - to my mind, doing so under my tutelage is preferred. History by its very nature always comes presented through a worldview lens once you get past the bare facts...and sometimes even the facts are influenced by the perspective of the reporter.
By the by, here is a wonderful website for examining the Declaration of Independence in close detail.
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