Well said, Doug
Warren
In a message dated 5/16/2008 9:12:03 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
This discussion has demonstrated, among other things, the confusion we
produce when we fail to differentiate between history and what might be called
heritage. The problem is not that we lack conclusive evidence on which to
base our answer to the main question: Did Jefferson father any of Hemings'
children? It is, rather, that all or most parties to the discussion appear to
have a personal stake in the answer. Not having such a stake is one of the
prerequisites (but not the only one!) for writing objective history. Having a
stake, in contrast, takes us--almost by definition--off the track of historical
inquiry and onto the parallel track of heritage fabrication. We fashion a
heritage--usually as part of some group (nation, region, ethnic group)--in order
to forge an identity out of bits and pieces of history, myths, legends,
values. Heritage thrives on error; it cannot serve its purpose--to make the
members of a group happy with (even inspired by!) its so-called past--without
getting the real history wrong. The attempt to get the history right, let the
chips fall where they may, is always a disappointment to heritage-seekers.
Why can't we be content with real history and somehow move beyond the need
for the distortions produced by heritage? We don't really know, but quite
possibly it (heritage) is what our brains are programmed by human evolution to
produce and favor. In comparison, the history in which we have no personal
stake is rather colorless and bland... or just complicated, offering no clear
lessons. Objectivity exacts a high price in detachment.
On heritage and history, see David Lowenthal's Possessed by the Past; on the
brain, Cordelia Fine's A Mind of Its Own.
Doug Deal
History/SUNY Oswego
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