History Revised: Exemplar Essay To Follow

It can be argued that each generation of children learns their own version of history, which is presented differently in their books. There are many reasons why history books get revised, such as change in political and social climate, or the sincere willingness to present children with books, which, instead of laying out the ‘unbreakable truth’, provide the reader with controversial facts and statements, trying to engage critical thinking.
Whatever the reason, it is a fact that modern history books are very different from their 50-years old counterparts. There are many social issues, which were not so pronounced or even absent at that time, but which receive extensive media coverage nowadays. Since children are likely to be exposed to them as they integrate into adult society, it is teachers’ duty to make their students aware of these problems, thus, history books often shift focus, presenting material with a bias based on current events and trends. Although, this is hardly done with a political intent, the book may indeed become somewhat biased and distorted. It is also often the case, when certain information gets omitted from the newer books in favor of something more current, but not always as important.
Another common approach is to present students with different perspectives on the same historical fact or event in order to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. Such books are a step aside from the old conventional storytelling history, and they allow students to form their own conclusions, creating their own personal version of history.
As a student being influenced by the inconsistency of the information presented in the books, it is important to acknowledge that neither an author, nor any opinion can be completely objective and, thus, accepted as a universal truth. This means that, despite the version of history being taught at school, each and every individual is able and should form their own vision on historical events.