Does a knowledge of "real" history promote progressivism?

[theophilus]

I have spent most of my life, up until now, loving history. I still have lots of gaps that need filling in, but I feel that I know quite a lot of history compared to the average American (whatever that is).
I am a proud Liberal and ardent Progressive. Can the average person be a progressive without a knowledge of history? How much does one need to know to fan the flames of progressivism? I have an acquaintance with geology/paleontology. I know quite a bit about "pre-history" around the world. I enjoy learning about ancient civilization. (They have found a city in Syria that was in existence at least one thousand years before it was supposed to have been!)

I can see, albeit dimly, the panoramic sweep of history. This helps me to understand that we NEED progress. We NEED to make things better than they have been ---- even in the great ol' USA. Now, I know that folks raised on the notion of George Washington and the cherry tree, etc. Might truly think that things used to be "much better" than they are in these "godless" (sarcasm) times. So, what do you think? Can most people be liberal progressives without a pretty good knowledge of history?

[bridgit]

1. that doesn't seem per se likely to me, that may well be said...

to be in eye of the beholder = the same 'rose garden path' interpreted variously and such imo of course

[Protagoras]

2. A "real" knowledge of what Christ said would

but the fact that the bible is thrown around like frisbies at the beach doesn't seem to have helped those messages penetrate the minds of those udnermining our world. So I suspect something less common like an accurate history book would have an even smaller chance.

Sadly.

[babylonsister]

3. I think independent thinkers can be liberal and progressive

w/o knowing much about history. If a brain is involved, and they're not being swayed by their relatives or friends, or church or teachers, if they see what's going on in this country and want to choose a more righteous path, sure.

[theophilus]

5. Interesting point. I have often been accused of "not fitting in". I

prefer to see myself as an independent thinker. What makes an IT? Is it genetic or environmental?
I have often wondered. It seems that some just naturally question authority. I'm and only child and I have wondered it that contributed in some way......

[babylonsister]

13. I honestly don't know what makes one

an IT. I suspect it's not genetic as witnessed by my family. My sibliings are evenly split in their political propensities, the males being rabid repugs and the females liberal. Environment might have more of an impact in my case; the brothers were both in the military and one currently gets his marching orders from his church. HAving said that, I know there are many vets, my husband included, who are liberal. :shrug:
I would think an only child would be an independent thinker if his parents encouraged that; questioning authority would naturally follow IMO.

[Selteri]

4. I think it is an important part of the formula.

It includes other things that are progressive that also need to be learned by being willing to take that leap that we have learned is historically vital.

[killbotfactory]

6. It helps

Conservatism is against progress. If everyone was a conservative we would still own slaves, women would be disenfranchised, the poor would still be living and working in inhuman conditions, and only white male landowners would get to vote. Sounds like a dream to them, and hell to the rest of us.

Actually, we'd probably still be part of England.

[lakemonster11]

7. As a history lover myself, I think one of the most important things

people need to know is that the myth of a glorious past---that the "kids nowadays" are useless compared to previous generations, that our ancestors were better and happier than we are---has been around since the earliest recorded times.

If you read Greek works from the 5th Century B.C., the old and middle-aged men constantly rip on the younger generation, claiming that they're lazy, they don't have the same work ethic and values of the older generation, and that society is generally becoming coarser and losing its values.

Right-wingers still do this today. People who've studied history see this as a pattern and aren't taken in by their fantasies of some glorious golden past.

[Neil Lisst]

8. Absolutely. Knowing history makes on progressive.

Because it gives perspective and understanding, which better guide the person in decision-making.

Conservatives are ignorant, by and large. The more ignorant of history, the more likely one leans right.

[theophilus]

11. I tend to agree but I wonder if any studies have been done.

Is this a provable theory?

[Neil Lisst]

19. Theophilus Thistle

Theophilus Thistle, in sifting a sieve full of unsifted thistles, thrust three thousand thistles through the thick of his thumb.

Thus begins one of the many tongue twisters I learned as a child, primarily to annoy others, not the least of whom were my siblings and parents. Even as a child, with my own family, I loved being a prick.

[MisterP]

9. Straussian neoconservatism just sees history as a celebration,

a millennial parade and justification of themselves--not as something to learn real lessons from or study for its own, intrinsic sake

[JanMichael]

10. Yes I believe that it does. "A People's History" by Zinn is a good example

Most people that I know that have read it have had many pre-concieved notions destroyed. Myself included at a very young age.

[G_j]

12. you read my mind

:hi:

link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060528370/104-9908476-1347908?v=glance&n=283155

A People's History of the United States : 1492-Present (Perennial Classics) (Paperback)
by Howard Zinn

[JanMichael]

14. OMG I'm a psychic!!!!!

No, no, wait...I'm psychotic!

[G_j]

16. maybe just

psychosomatic

or better, psychedelic

[jwirr]

15. I think some degree of knowledge about the past is necessary.

If we did not know about Hitler would we be afraid of fascism? Also if we did not know the history surrounding social security would we think it was as important to preserve it?

Another aspect of history that I think is important and a very deep part of being a progressive is the idea that mankind no matter how good they think they are acting are all capable of horrible actions. Democrats know we are not perfect and that we need to work on equality and brotherhood, among other things. From looking at the present pResident we can see that many repubs do not recognize their own faults either now or in the past. They not only think they are perfect but also think that they are above the law which allows them to do anything the little imperfect hearts desire.

[theophilus]

17. Good points. n/t

[stillcool]

18. When nothing makes sense...

my natural tendency is to find the root. The more answers I find the more questions I have....and round and round I go...the most interesting by-product is the evolving perception that seems in me but not of me.

[Raydawg1234]

20. History is essential in a democracy

We must have an understanding of the kinds of governments that the founding fathers wished to prevent. One of these is the Monarchy, Which we seem to be intent on establishing.

[leftofthedial]

21. absolutely

there are two types of regressives:

1. the ignorant (and usually not too bright)--these are by far the majority of repukes and repuke supporters

2. the utterly corrupt and narcissistic--these are a tiny majority, but are responsible for the neocon agenda, the economic crimes and the manipulation of the religiously insane

I'd guess that well over 90% of regressives are ignorant. Inform them and many will change their views. Once someone knows the truth, one must be truly evil to support the fascists.

[applegrove]

22. Yes - because history is progressive. Unless you are really

warped - you gotta see it as the world getting better and better.