LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Michelle Obama -- One of Our Fundamental American Stories

"A Family Tree Rooted In American Soil"

In today's Washington Post, is a short sketch of Michelle Obama's ancestors, from a plantation in South Carolina, up to Chicago, and hopefully, the White House. There is also a slide show.

Woo!

Personally? I think her family story is at least as interesting as her husband's.And both their family stories are fundamental stories of who we are, we who live in the U.S.A.

Now I must get back to writing my slavery and manifest destiny essay, chapter, or whatever it is.
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2 comments:

Frank Partisan said...

Michelle is treated as an afterthought.

Graeme is now settling in Minneapolis.

October 3, 2008 at 3:00 AM
Foxessa said...

Is Graeme going change the name of his blog?

Has he settled yet? Is he OK?

Love, C.

October 4, 2008 at 4:04 PM

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