This post will probably sink like a stone...

[Southern_gent]

91. Rethink the idea of american amnesia

While I respect the effort to highlight societal shortcomings, I’d like to push back on the bleak picture painted in this post about America’s “amnesia” and supposed lack of historical awareness. The argument presented seems to overgeneralize and dismiss the complexities of how history and memory operate in modern society.

First, the claim that Americans have no institutional or national memory ignores the many ways history is actively preserved and celebrated. Countless museums, documentaries, podcasts, and even social media channels are devoted to educating the public about historical events, figures, and cultural milestones. Platforms like PBS, Ken Burns documentaries, and educational YouTube channels have brought history to audiences in accessible and engaging ways. Historical societies, reenactments, and civic programs continue to keep the past alive for those willing to engage.

The example of forgotten broadcasters or sports players seems more like a critique of the fleeting nature of fame rather than evidence of societal amnesia. Media and entertainment have always been about the “now,” but this doesn’t mean history is ignored. In fact, Hall of Fames, retrospectives, and anniversaries frequently honor the achievements of athletes, broadcasters, and artists. The issue isn’t that these figures are forgotten but that the constant influx of new information and cultural figures makes it impractical to dwell too long on any one moment in history.

Regarding the younger generation’s supposed ignorance: It’s a common refrain across generations to claim that “kids these days” lack historical awareness, yet studies show that many young people are highly engaged in social and political issues. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of creators educating their peers on history, social justice, and civics in ways that resonate with them. While it’s true that traditional history education may need improvement, young people today have access to more information than any generation before them—and they’re using it.

The broader claim that “we are reliving the 1930s” and heading toward disaster feels alarmist and dismissive of the progress society has made. While challenges exist, it’s also true that we’ve learned valuable lessons from history. For example, the global response to pandemics, awareness of climate change, and international efforts to curb authoritarianism all demonstrate that historical lessons are being applied in real time.

Lastly, the pessimistic conclusion that Americans are “deliberately undereducated and programmed by corporate media” feels overly cynical and conspiratorial. While media and education systems can always improve, individuals have agency and responsibility to seek out knowledge. Many Americans do exactly that, through books, documentaries, and independent research.

In short, history is alive and well for those who care to engage with it. While there’s always room for improvement in education and media, dismissing an entire nation as amnesiac and doomed ignores the evidence of resilience, curiosity, and progress that exists all around us. Instead of focusing on what’s lost, perhaps we should focus on what we can still build.