LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Re “To fight antisemitism change how we teach Jewish studies” and “History matters beyond the classroom,” March 3: History cannot be taught without reference to current political issues. History is a lens on the past. That lens is our present condition – what matters to us today. Each generation writes a new history of our past, looking at the facts and people who resonate with today’s Americans.

Each student of history must be free to critically assess the conflicting views of the historians of their day. Professors should not tell students what to think but provide them with the tools that are helpful when evaluating stories about our past.

From the very large volume of factual information from America’s past, historians select what people and events they want to focus on to tell the story. The student of history then looks at the evidence that both supports and undermines that story and decides what weight to give the historian’s interpretation.

I don’t think understanding history can prevent us from making mistakes today.

The factors affecting decisions, made both yesterday and today, are far too complex for that. But history can give students the tools they need to sort through the relevant facts and make their own decisions about the issues facing us today.

Mark Abel, Columbus

Re “To fight antisemitism change how we teach Jewish studies,” March 3: Meryl Ain’s guest column was spot on.

Antisemitism, along with many other biases and prejudices, could be alleviated via education. It is quite clear that politicians do not desire to change and improve our culture. They prefer we continue to denigrate Jews, people of color, and other “minority” folks. Much of Christianity, and especially right-wing, fundamentalist, Christian nationalism, is behind this status quo. Those who seek tom learn from history must speak up.

Larry D. Baker, West Jefferson