American Encounters

Who Speaks The Voice Of History The facts of history in the eyes of Americans have been viewed in umteen another(prenominal) lights. The Smithsonian prove entitled, “American Encounters” is no exception. This multimedia exhibit focuses on American Indians, Hispanics and Anglo-Americans in New Mexico. Although the exhibit contains many noteworthy facts about the culture and lifestyle of the Indians, in my opinion, many other aspects of Native American history were left in the shadows. The Smithsonian did not clearly illuminate the battle and oppression which the Indians endured during the European settlement. This obscured information raises the issue of which historical facts are selected as notable. E.H. Carr, an historian, explains this line of credit with a very prominent quote from the first chapter of his disk What is History. The quote states, “The facts speak only when the historian calls on them: it is he who decides to which facts to give the floor and in what enjoin or background” (Carr 9). As stated above, Carr believes that “facts only speak when the historian calls on them. . .” (Carr 9). In the “American Encounters” exhibit, the facts concerning Indian tribulation and European supremacy could not be heard.

By all means I believe that their situation was more than just an encounter. From the tale on the plaque, one could interpret that the Europeans were given the land, or that the Europeans established forts, occupation posts, and colonies to live as one with the Indeginous peoples; however, that was not the case. Consequently, Carr’s statement holds true. The authors of the exhibit choose how to present this portion of history. They decide in what context to display the facts. Obviously the authors feel that a countenance on the wall is enough to express years of struggle and strife. If visitors to the Smithsonian had no previous knowledge about the conflict amidst Native Americans and the Spaniards,... If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com

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