“The History Teacher” by Billy Collins presents a serious
dilemma in our society. In an attempt to “protect his students’ innocence”, the
teacher fabricates many crucial events in human history. This is the teacher’s
way of coping with the horrific truths in the past. Even though his intentions
are pure, his way of teaching is not only deceptive but also fails to work. The
fact that the children “torment the weak, and the smart” is ironic because
while the deception was meant to protect their innocence, it has in fact
corrupted them. The “smart” students are bullied because these students would
represent knowledge and truth in a classroom of ignorance and lies.
One might expect lies in education to be limited to a work
of fiction, but the truth is that deception occurs in schools even today. The second
largest school district in Colorado
attempted to alter the AP American history curriculum to “promote citizenship,
patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free enterprise system.” (Washington Post) The proponents
of change argue that removing the material about “civil disorder, social
strife, or disregard of the law”(Washington Post) would also limit these things in our society. This is very similar to the history teacher;
both are attempting to fix problems through lies and both will fail.
Your connection of this poem to events that are happening today makes its message seem more relatable--like you said, this problem is not just limited to a piece of fiction, but is something that is taking place right now in this very country. It's scary to think of what results this history-changing will bring down the road.
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