As you may all have heard, seen or read, Florida's 2023 Social Studies curriculum will include lessons on how "slaves developed skills" that could be used for "personal benefit," according to a copy of the state's academic standards reviewed by CBS News.
Following state standards, these lessons are taught in the African-American studies section of the social studies curriculum. A curriculum for that grade level teaches students about the "causes, courses and consequences of the slave trade in the colonies" and compares serfdom to slavery.
Moreover, students will be asked to discuss "the contact of European explorers with the systematic slave trade in Africa" and the history and evolution of slave codes. In a lesson that asks students to examine the different duties and trades slaves performed, including agricultural work, domestic service, blacksmithing and household tasks like tailoring and painting, the personal benefit is included as a “benchmark clarification.”
In today’s world, we censor unnecessary things just to cater to the needs of particular groups, people and whatever else. As someone who enjoys all history, I truly appreciate the raw, authentic versions.
Historic preservation is essential to transmit our understanding of the past to future generations. Our nation's history has many facets; historic preservation helps tell these stories. Now, I don’t fully understand why or what this could be as far as an impact on education in general, but what’s the purpose? Black history is already not taught enough in schools across America, and we’re now dealing with a state trying to introduce a more standardized view of slavery.
Whenever a state decides to implement an idea, and it’s executed, I see the original state as a test subject for other states. We often see states pass laws, then other states follow with tweaks to the original law. These initiatives include health care, law enforcement and more. In this case, I don’t think it will be long before another state implements this new curriculum into its education system with slight changes. However, that’s just a theory of mine, which could be wrong.
Slavery in American history is an example of terrible oppression, but it is also an example of incredible resistance and resilience.
In addition to learning that some enslaved people escaped, students should also know that it was tough for them to do so. Teachers should show students how enslaved people resisted in other ways, such as learning colonial languages or developing ceremonies such as "jumping the broom."
Students should understand that slavery was widespread and not, as commonly thought, restricted to people of African descent or contained in the South. They should also be aware of the widespread opposition to and desire to abolish slavery. Discussions regarding present injustices, particularly those that continue to obstruct and oppress people who are descended from enslaved people, as well as opportunities for advocacy and reform, should result from these conversations.
Without history, we cannot inquire sensibly into society’s political, social and moral issues.
