I love history - at least, that's the story I like to tell myself. In reality, I also spent a great deal of my time ignoring the lessons of history...choosing instead to do whatever I could to get that grade...and I felt my instructors were on the same page - they were doing whatever was necessary to get paid. Teaching and learning failed...and I never learned about the Battle of Athens (until now). But then again, after reading this first part, I'm not surprised this (too) was swept under the rug as I kept hearing how great America is...how it's the best in the world. I had my doubts...I still have my doubts.
The marketing messaging of America has always been one-note: America the Great!! We're Number One!! I believed it as a kid, was disgusted with it in my 20s, 30s, and 40s... and now feel like I'm slowly teasing out the good in our history -- like the Battle of Athens -- from the heinous. It's a slow, somewhat painful process, but it feels good, like marital counseling that helps you see your partner for who he/she really is, warts and sparkly bits and all... :-)
Hi Mary - I LOVE the serendipity of travelling with an alert curiosity, and I love just as much your so engaging mix of the light and breezy and the deadlly serious. Looking forward to part two!
What a cliff hanger! Fascinating chapter in American history, and while disturbing your account is both illuminating and funny. Thank you - look forward to the next installment.
I love history - at least, that's the story I like to tell myself. In reality, I also spent a great deal of my time ignoring the lessons of history...choosing instead to do whatever I could to get that grade...and I felt my instructors were on the same page - they were doing whatever was necessary to get paid. Teaching and learning failed...and I never learned about the Battle of Athens (until now). But then again, after reading this first part, I'm not surprised this (too) was swept under the rug as I kept hearing how great America is...how it's the best in the world. I had my doubts...I still have my doubts.
The marketing messaging of America has always been one-note: America the Great!! We're Number One!! I believed it as a kid, was disgusted with it in my 20s, 30s, and 40s... and now feel like I'm slowly teasing out the good in our history -- like the Battle of Athens -- from the heinous. It's a slow, somewhat painful process, but it feels good, like marital counseling that helps you see your partner for who he/she really is, warts and sparkly bits and all... :-)
Hmm... I feel a poem coming on. Thanks for the prompt, Jack!! 😂
Yay!! You're back! OK then, you've got me hooked. See you next week. xox
Hi Mary - I LOVE the serendipity of travelling with an alert curiosity, and I love just as much your so engaging mix of the light and breezy and the deadlly serious. Looking forward to part two!
Thanks so much, Michael. I really was so excited to actually BE in Athens. Serendipity.., or, as Chopra calls it, synchrodestiny? :-)
What a cliff hanger! Fascinating chapter in American history, and while disturbing your account is both illuminating and funny. Thank you - look forward to the next installment.
Thanks, Kathleen! As a lifelong history-hater, I'm honored.
Aaaaccckkk - this is like those old-time radio shows that leave you hanging at the end of the show!
Can’t wait to hear the next installment - you have made it riveting!
I'm so glad! That's what I was hoping!! Thanks, Patricia.