What Facing History Meant to Me

Clark Masterson

Facing History Blog

Mr. Gallagher

Period 3

What Facing History and Ourselves Meant to Me

            When I was making my senior schedule as a junior last year, there was one class in particular that I knew I would take: Facing History and Ourselves with Mr. Gallagher.  As a history buff, it is classes such as these that really spark my interest. I have always been fascinated with the topic of genocide and how both the murdered and murderers were affected. When I was told that the course encompassed the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust, I knew that I would thoroughly regret it if I did not take the class.

            Going into the class, I was not really sure what to expect. I had been told that I would be shocked and deeply touched by what I was going to witness. I admit, I had seen a lot of the things that were shown in the class and was aware of the extent to which the Turks and Germans abused the Armenians and Jews. For this reason, I was not really shocked or affected by what I saw. I believe the biggest thing I got out of the class was seeing the faces and reactions of those who were not as aware of the terrible things that humans have done to each other throughout history. I think a lot of people are simply ignorant to the fact that the world is a much different place than it was seventy years ago. Seeing some of my classmates coming to this conclusion for the first time gave me a sense of relief that even those who are unaware can be made aware. For this reason I believe that this is an extremely important course and should be preserved at all costs. The subjects taught in this class are grim, but they teach a lesson that even the most rational of people can be driven to do horrific things. I was more shocked to realize that not many people even knew what the Armenian Genocide was, a period that culminated with the deaths of over one million innocent Armenian people. People need to be aware of such atrocities and understand that humans are just as capable of hating as they are of loving.

            After taking Facing History and Ourselves, I am convinced that it should be made a mandatory course. It forces the student to witness what many people believe to be too graphic and inappropriate. Contrary to this belief, I think people need to be exposed to such evils so they are not ignorant to the existence of such terrible historical events. Along with this, I really enjoyed how the class allowed for people to voice their opinions and views were not forced upon them. This created a scenario in which people felt free to talk because their opinions would not be challenged. Although I did not talk that much during the course, I found it more beneficial to listen to what other people had to say. Since I already know what my own opinions are, it was infinitely more interesting for me to hear the opinions of others and understand how they think. The ability for students to be comfortable voicing their personal opinions is a testament to how well the class was run and the wonderful environment that was created by both the students and Mr. Gallagher. I definitely gained a sense of respect for some people who were able to say what they thought even though it risked being challenged or considered invalid by other students. Fortunately, students kept these negative opinions to themselves and people were respectful of what everyone had to say, something that is essential in a course teaching such heavy topics.

            I think the part I most enjoyed about the class was the amazing movies we got to watch. Each movie had superb acting and vividly portrayed events such as the Native American Downfall, the Armenian Genocide, and the Holocaust. I felt like I could relate to the characters and it gave me an even greater understanding of how millions can suffer to further the political goals of a few prominent individuals. Everyday I left the class pondering how I was lucky to live a nice life and could have easily been born in another country in which I had no money and no basic freedoms that the people in the United States are granted. I see people around the school who do not seem to be as appreciative as I am for what I have and I think that they need to take Facing History and Ourselves to understand what it really means to have nothing. The people we see in these movies are pushed to the brink: impoverished, diseased, rejected by society, and abandoned by all. Only after seeing such misery could I understand how truly lucky I was to be in my current living situation. As a person, I am extremely accepting of people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. I think this trait of mine was improved even further by taking Facing History. For example many times people used phrases such as “Don’t be such a Jew” and other unkind sayings. Before taking the class, these sayings did not make me upset or faze me at all for that matter. After taking the class, I realized just how horrible such sayings are and I am making it a goal of mine never to say unkind things like that or accept other people saying them when I am present. Although I never had a problem being accepting of others, I believe that the course further strengthened my resolve to treat people based upon how they treat me, rather than their appearance, background, or race.

In conclusion, Facing History and Ourselves with Mr. Gallagher was one of the most beneficial classes I have taken at Westborough High School. The classroom was full of students eager to learn about even the most gruesome of topics. Everyone’s opinions were respected and I learned a vast amount about how certain people thing just by listening to what they had to say. The class taught many people about horrendous events they were not aware of such as the Armenian Genocide. I gained a greater sense of acceptance for all people, even when I thought I was the most accepting I could be. No other class has focused so in depth of events such as the Holocaust, events that have completely reshaped our modern world. I left the class with a greater understanding of my world around me and just how lucky I am to live where I live and have the opportunities that I have. There is no doubt in my mind that this should be a required course because it forces an individual to think for themselves and answer some of history’s most challenging and controversial questions.