A Founding Contradiction: Thomas Jefferson's Stance On Slavery

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/26/670803601/a-founding-contradiction-thomas-jeffersons-stance-on-slavery (Links to an external site.)

When looking at historic leaders whether those of the United States or those of any other nation, it is important that we always remember one major thing: that they are, like all of us, human beings. And, as human beings, the historical figures that we aggrandize and our own selves, often can come under scrutiny for their complexities. The study and examination of the past brings critique and sometimes vehement rejection of the subject due to inconsistencies and contradictions in thoughts and actions.

The complexities of history, a countries past and its leaders is well reflected in the NPR Hidden Brain podcast about Thomas Jefferson from 2018.

Please give an attentive listen to the 45 minute interview with historian Annette Gordon-Reed about Thomas Jefferson’s life, philosophy and civic actions.

Jefferson, a pivotal figure - one of the Founding Fathers of our nation - believed in Enlightenment philosophies of freedom and liberty and who helped build the United States of America. At the same time, this central leader of the country participated in the institution of slavery.

The podcast seeks to illuminate and provide clarity pertaining to our Founding Fathers with the goal of also trying to explain how our minds justify our choices.

After listening to the podcast, please answer the questions listed under this weeks Assignment.

I believe that the Founding Fathers (some of their contradictions aside) were more so leaders than politicians.

They were intelligent men who practiced statecraft to build and maintain the stability of a new republic. And so we often look to them as symbolic figures of what qualities we wish to see in our current government.

This does not mean that they are free from criticism. And, this is one big issue that has yet to be reconciled.

The two original sins of America can be said to be slavery and the takeover of indigenous populations.

These acts put a sort of asterisk by their names.

With this, the study of History becomes a divisive task due to the emergence of opposite positions. And while it exists as conversation and debate within the classroom or conversation with friends, it plays out in a physical way out in the cities and streets.

What I am talking about here is the ongoing battle - perhaps we can call it "Cancel Culture" against "Traditional Culture" that can be best seen in the battle over statues and monuments.

Whereas certain objects often have clear concepts of Right vs. Wrong, others become a lot more subjective and harder to decipher.

Confederate Soldiers - Italian Explorers - Founding Fathers and many more become targets of the battle for history with some being somewhat easy conversations while others becoming more difficult.

In this case, the difficult conversation is that about the Founding Fathers.

How can one reconcile the positives and the negatives? Is it possible?

Does the filter of modern moral standards allow for a more accurate, or a more distorted examination of the past?

I believe that by listening to the NPR Hidden Brain Podcast, you will be able have some interesting thoughts, questions, comments and responses to the questions I posted above.

You can take down your notes and feel free to share during our Tuesday Zoom Meeting. Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts!