Mapping the Historical Narratives of the American People: What is National Identity?

The history of the United States is complex and vast, spread across continents, cultures, and centuries. It is one story comprised of numerous other stories and can be viewed differently from various perspectives.  In recent years, tension between the many narrative perspectives on American history have created a political battlefield fought largely in our schools, yet another theater for the culture wars. Americans have struggled over questions of history and public memory for more than a century. Is it desirable or even possible to blend these narratives into one national identity that represents a shared core of who we all are as Americans?  What do competing historical narratives reveal about our complicated past, and how can an “American” voice incorporate an increasingly diverse population?

Host: Amanda Stadler    Q&A Moderator: Dr. Jeremy Neely

Presenters

Associate Professor, Historian, Author Amy Fluker

Amy Fluker

Associate Professor, Historian, Author
Youngstown State University

Executive Director Jean Strait

Jean Strait

Executive Director
Foundation for the Advancement of Culture and Ed.

Assistant Professor, World Languages and Culture Amelia Tseng

Amelia Tseng

Assistant Professor, World Languages and Culture
American University

K-12 Educator, Administrator, Author Matthew Woods

Matthew Woods

K-12 Educator, Administrator, Author
Leading Out The Woods