Abstract
Throughout history, people of color have been misrepresented in different aspects of American life. The representation of people of color (POC) in American history has been discussed and criticized for decades (Chaudri & Schau, 2016; Giarrizzo, 2012). One educational tool that remains at the forefront of the issue is the textbook. American history textbooks influence students' perceptions and attitudes about history. Many students are taught American history with textbooks that include a limited narrative (Chaudri & Schau, 2016). When student access and learning tools are limited and disconnected from reality, we see the effects of misrepresentation and the cycle that continues. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, representation means the way someone or something is portrayed by a person or group. One of the ongoing themes discussed in this study is the racial bias that is evident in many American history courses. People of color and their voices have been omitted in many American history textbooks. Often, if their voices are included, it is in a stereotypical light. Another key aspect of this issue is the lack of truth and reality that is taught in American history. To come to school and learn something inaccurate is traumatic and demeaning. In the effort to teach some of the horrific events that have happened in American history, there has been pushback from parents, teachers, and politicians. If education is the steppingstone to one's compass of identity, how is it that the history of a certain race is left out? People of color are not being properly represented in American history. Omitting the history of an entire race, or races, tells students that they are not important. This pattern creates problems for all of society because students are not fully educated about the history and struggles, therefore dooming them to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Recommended Citation
Sibley, Alexis and Whitman, Gretchen
(2024)
"Are People of Color Accurately Represented in American History?,"
Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina: Vol. 17:
No.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/tejsc/vol17/iss1/2