(click to enlarge, then hit the "back" button on your browser to return to this page)Disagreements occur naturally and can be a helpful element of human interaction. However, these differing ideas need to be handled in a respectful manner, allowing groups to better understand each other. Countless times in our past dominant groups have placed blame on the actions of outsiders. As you will see on this blog, there are numerous examples, and lessons we can learn from the theme of intolerance. On this subject historian Gerda Lerner wrote:
What we do about history matters. The often repeated saying that those who forget the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them has a lot of truth in it. But what are 'the lessons of history'? The very attempt at definition furnishes ground for new conflicts. History is not a recipe book; past events are never replicated in the present in quite the same way. Historical events are infinitely variable and their interpretations are a constantly shifting process. There are no certainties to be found in the past.
It is up to future generations to determine meaning. Not being aware of these examples can leave people ill equipped to make decisions or recognize similar situations. As a reader of this blog, please read through these documents carefully, and when possible consider what we can learn from the past and present.
At the bottom of each page, click "older posts" for more bios and the last few posts contain your homework assignments. Also, quick links to bios are under December 2008 in the blog archive tag on the right side of page- you may have to scroll down. Enjoy!
If you have trouble navigating this blog or any other questions, contact Mike via mpgeyer@buffalo.edu
