Florida's Misguided Approach to African American History

I was appalled, disturbed, and angered when I learned that Florida's public schools had approved new African American history standards that include a shocking assertion – that some Black people benefited from slavery because it taught them useful skills.?

Bullshit.

As someone who strongly believes in the power of education to foster empathy, understanding, and positive change, I find it deeply troubling that such a false and harmful narrative is being perpetuated in our schools.

Education plays a crucial role in shaping the perspectives and beliefs of future generations. By imparting knowledge about history, society, and cultures, schools have the responsibility to foster empathy, understanding, and a desire for positive change.?

However, the recent decision by Florida's State Board of Education to revise the African American history standards is deeply concerning. This decision, which seeks to present a twisted and harmful view of the past, poses a threat to marginalized communities, perpetuates harmful stereotypes, and undermines the progress made in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Danger of Misrepresentation:

By suggesting that Black people benefited from slavery because it taught them useful skills, Florida's new African American history standards not only erase the brutal realities of slavery but also validate harmful stereotypes about marginalized communities.?

Slavery was an inhumane system of oppression that tore apart families, denied basic human rights, and perpetuated violence and dehumanization - just like any other system of oppression - Colonization, Imperialism, etc.

By framing Slavery as a means of skill development, the Florida educational standards negate the immense suffering endured by enslaved people and their descendants.

Justifying Subjugation and Fueling Anti-DEI Perspectives:

The inclusion of such language in educational standards serves to justify historical injustices and perpetuates the belief that systems of oppression were somehow beneficial for the oppressed: "its for their own good... we're teaching them... saving them..."

This narrative undermines efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by fueling anti-DEI perspectives.?

By disseminating a skewed version of history, the standards discourage students from understanding the deep-rooted issues that still affect marginalized communities today.

Discrediting Black Voices Since the Civil Rights Movement (and Beyond!):

The Civil Rights Movement was a defining moment in American history, as it sought to dismantle racist structures and promote equality.?

The new standards, by suggesting that some Black people benefited from slavery, invalidate the concerns raised by Black activists and scholars since the Civil Rights Movement.?

This discrediting of Black voices fuels the cultural wars and undermines the struggle for justice and equality, perpetuating a harmful narrative that silences those who advocate for positive change.

Nullifying Legitimate Protests for Equality, Racism, and Diversity:

In recent years, we have witnessed an increase in social activism and protests calling for equality, an end to racism, and greater diversity in society.?

The revision of African American history standards in Florida sends a DANGEROUS message that efforts to combat racism and promote diversity are UNNECESSARY, as some people purportedly benefited from oppressive systems.?

Such a narrative nullifies the legitimacy of ongoing protests and movements aimed at breaking down systemic barriers and ensuring a more inclusive society.

No Benefits Here! Slavery and Other Forms of Oppression:

The false narrative that oppression benefits the oppressed is harmful because it perpetuates the idea that those who are oppressed are somehow "inferior."?

This narrative can be traced back to the justification of slavery, which was often based on the idea that Black people were not as intelligent or capable as white people.?

This false narrative was also used to justify colonization, which was often seen as a way to "civilize" the "savages."

The legacy of slavery and colonization continues to affect the treatment of people of color today.?

For example, Latinos in the US are often stereotyped as being lazy or uneducated. These stereotypes are based on the false narrative that oppression benefits the oppressed - yes, I'm aware of my repetitiveness.

Understanding Power and its Productive Force:

Michel Foucault's perspective on power emphasizes its dynamic nature, operating through relationships and ideologies that serve those in control.

Power is not limited to acts of repression; it can also create and shape dominant ideologies that serve the interests of those in control.

By promoting a false narrative about slavery, Florida's school system is "producing" a narrative that reinforces an oppressive ideology that benefits those in power.?

Challenging this narrative and empowering students with accurate history is vital to dismantle the power structures that perpetuate oppression.

How Florida's Standards Operate in Power:

In light of Foucault's concept of power, it becomes evident that the inclusion of a false narrative in Florida's African American history standards serves as a mechanism to perpetuate a particular worldview that justifies past and present injustices.?

By suggesting that some Black people benefited from slavery due to skill development, the standards downplay the horrors of slavery and maintain a distorted perception of history.?

This manipulation of history serves the interests of those in power by diminishing the grievances of marginalized communities and reinforcing the status quo.

Institutional Racism and the Power Structure:

The false narrative in Florida's standards is a manifestation of institutional racism, a system in which public policies, organizations, and institutions favor white people while disadvantaging people of color.?

This system of power is often hidden from plain sight but has a profound impact on the lives of marginalized communities.?

By perpetuating a narrative that minimizes the atrocities of slavery and distorts its consequences, the standards uphold institutional racism and deny the existence of systemic inequalities that persist today.

Challenging the False Narrative and Disrupting Power Structures:

Foucault's understanding of power provides valuable insights into challenging and disrupting the systems of oppression that harm marginalized communities.?

To combat the false narrative, accurate history must be taught, shedding light on the true experiences of enslaved people and the enduring consequences of slavery.?

United We Stand

Florida's new African American history standards represent a dangerous misuse of education as a means to justify oppression and maintain the power status quo.?

Understanding power as a productive force, as posited by Michel Foucault, allows us to comprehend how false narratives are constructed to uphold institutional racism and suppress the struggles of marginalized communities.?

To drive positive change, we must stand united against oppression and challenge the false narrative, empower students with accurate history, and work collectively to dismantle the power structures that perpetuate oppression.?

Join me in (calling BS and) standing together in advocating for accurate and inclusive educational standards that acknowledge the painful past while inspiring future generations to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

RTP Learning Can Help?

RTP Learning provides valuable resources and expertise to help strategize on policies for change that support all people.?

With a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles, RTP Learning can assist in developing inclusive policies that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.?

Contact us to learn how RTP Learning can empower you to create positive change, promote equal opportunities, and foster a more inclusive workplace.

Get Up And Grow!

Raúl T. Pereyra - CEO | RTP Learning

RTP Learning: Helping mission-driven leaders boost their confidence and effectiveness through transformational leadership coaching, enabling them to lead with greater impact.

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