GROUP LEADER ASSIGNMENT 1 Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers

GROUP LEADER ASSIGNMENT 1 Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers GROUP LEADER ASSIGNMENT 1 Review: Discussion on Mythistory, or Truth, Myth, History, and Historians by McNeill and Columbus and Western Civilization by Zinn Members: Dhruv Patel (Group Leader), Peragen, Zhane (Absent) and Yihau Dai Mythistory, or Truth, Myth, History, and Historians The article revolves around the contribution of myths in evolution of history. The author believes myths to be information about people or regions, that is trusted to be truthful and is perpetuated as per requirement or circumstances. He also establishes the fact that myths cannot be classified into categories of 'true' and 'false' because there can be two different versions of past for two different people or historians. Another vital argument presented in the article is explaining science as an evolutionary process of accepting new theories if they provide a simpler explanation of some event or phenomenon already presented by someone else so that it has more possibility to be deemed acceptable by masses. Columbus and Western Civilization This article describes how Columbus took advantage of gullible and hospitable Indians by turning them to slavery, forcing them to extract certain quota of gold to please the queen. Moreover, they were subjected to diseases like typhoid and small pox carried by their 'invaders' or 'discoverers'. Those who survived the epidemic were killed just for amusement. The article questions everything taught about American history in schools and challenges the title of hero and brave voyager given to Columbus by historians. This is astonishing because many evidences of these atrocities can be found in Columbus' journal itself. It reveals how historical facts are twisted and spread out as per convenience to influence the masses. Class Discussion Why does McNeill prefer the term "Mythistory" to history? Dhruv and Peragen explained McNeill's concept of 'Mythistory' by defining it as a collection of facts and myths believed to be true and acted upon on the basis of circumstances. Dhruv reflected upon the evolution of history by perpetuation of myths combined with factual information. What are his views on functions of myth? Dhruv and Peragen discussed myths to be information about people or regions that is believed to be true and spread out as needed. They also described that myths play a vital role in evolution of natural science and history. Also, Yihua Dai agreed with the definition and purpose. How does Zinn's portrayal of Columbus' story fit with your understanding of this piece of history? Dhruv deemed Columbus as a villain rather than a hero as taught in American History. He supported his argument by presenting facts about exploitation of Indians by his men. Peragen agreed by discussing the slavery and killing of Indians. What is the significance of Columbus story? Dhruv claimed that this story is necessary to question the American history taught in schools. Peragen described it as an attempt to provide real historical facts to pupils. Yihua Dai explained it as a form of justice to natives by letting the world know of tragedies they've been through. What links can you develop between the Rasky film and McNeill and Zinn readings? Dhruv considered the films and the readings to be similar as they both present Columbus as an atrocious invader who wiped out Indians. Peragen agreed by describing the killings and slavery depicted in both the film and readings. Yihau Dai also contributed by providing figures about the Indians enslaved and killed.