Perspective

Today in class we spent some time talking perspective. Our perspective is based on our personal experiences and background. At times, taking U.S. History requires us to move beyond our perspective to get a better understanding of an issue or a topic. When we study the Mexican-American War we are going to look at the war from an American point of view, but also from the view of the people of Mexico to better understand the story.

Tonight's assignment is:

Choose one of the following quotes about perspective to reflect upon. Try to make some personal connections, and/or connections to history. Good examples are what make your argument SO much more effective and successful! Make sure you chose a quote you feel like you understand, and can write about. You absolutely can pick a quote that you don’t agree with, and explain why. Perhaps you agree with it partly, but have some exceptions. That’s fine, just try your best to explain what you are thinking. Finally, try to explain how the quote you chose might help us as we study history this year to be better, and more accurate, historians. Your response should be about a page. I prefer typed, but it is not a requirement.

“Never write about a place until you're away from it, because that gives you perspective” -- Ernest Hemingway, author

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” -- Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor

People who look through keyholes are apt to get the idea that most things are keyhole shaped. ~Author Unknown

If you're being run out of town, get in front of the crowd and make it look like a parade. ~Author Unknown

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. ~Anaïs Nin, author

One never can tell from the sidewalk just what the view is to someone on the inside, looking out. --George Ade, author

Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters. ~African Proverb.

Typing the assignment is 100% optional. If you choose to type it, make sure that the font is size 12, Times New Roman and that it is double spaced.

Good luck

~ Mr. M