Sadly I must admit that in the general sense I remain non-impressed with the way current K-12 instruction and even higher.. is occurring reference the great Lady that is history. Some schools certainly do better then others.....but if contributions that I recently assisted in reviewing and judging in a local contest are any indication.....then much work remains to be done. And I also must admit that most of my recent observations reference blogs, forums and chat rooms for a variety of reasons are equally disappointing.
Disjointed ramblings and reflections on everything from what constitutes history to hidden agendas; revisionism; nationalistic fervor and prejudice; speculation that isn't even good to glamorization and rejection-ism of counter opinion and rejection of critique....these remain the realms of the poorly trained; the 'instant moment' amateur seeking ego recognition and confirmation....tsk tsk tut tut....what a mess.
Certainly not in all cases. For one must always remember that even the interest, if analysis and commentary is poor...is better then none at all.
But just barely.
Because while it's factual to state one doesn't have to be a 'sme' in history, for example on a blog.....in the real world of academia which often includes members of blog sites...continuing positive education and adherence to the method remains the key to their recognition of the veracity and value of even the layman or amateur. Or being ignored as a feigned intellectualist. Fair? Who said it was fair. It's a fact.
One must also always remember the 'level' of the commentator, the educational background and experience and whether he or she have been the recipients of insufficient and or just plain poor instruction by poor instructors. Alas far to many suffer from that and it remains obvious.
But here at AE we have some exceptional individuals who consistently demonstrate quality and devotion to the method. Topic presentation and objective analysis. Toltec-Nick-Mountain Man-Okamido-Uncle Fred-Red Clay-TJ Adams-Salah just to name a few. And we have recently seen a new member exhibit the basics and demonstrated passion of the aspiring (that always so important first step to remembering objectivity); so cudos must go to heyamigos.
So I continue to take heart. And in keeping with the general line of the thread... refer you to the following of which I have been a member for years. The people you read about are exceptional contributors and proponents of that which is necessary to encourage-educate-judge and sustain all those with an interest in history....from the weary and ill prepared amateurs to the next DG Chandler.
Enjoy the link and the articles.
Edited by Centrix Vigilis - 03-Sep-2012 at 20:39