November 22, 1963.
I’m hoping – no, make that praying – that everyone reading this month’s column knows the significance of that date. The most infamous day in the history of Dallas reaches its 50th anniversary this year. If you haven’t done so, make your way to Elm Street and visit the 6th Floor Museum. And please, please bring your kids. I’m wagering my house, pool, Nissan Maxima and my 1985 complete set of Topps baseball cards that your kids could not tell you that date’s significance.
I’m not saying your kids are dummies. Actually, most of them are probably much further developed in other areas – math, technology, texting, video gaming – than I was at the same age. But I am saying that your kids are to history what the Cowboys are to playoff wins, at least since the days of the Clinton Administration.
As much as it pains me to admit it, my kids fall into the same abyss. I’m amazed at how little they care about history despite my constant – and I do mean constant – history harassment.
“But history is boring, Dad.”
“Why do we need to study about dead people?”
“How is knowing about the War of 1812 going to help me in my life?”
Hey kids, here’s a quote for you: “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”
OK, they didn’t care about that one either.
I’ve actually gone to the length of taping various important dates and corresponding historical moments on the bedroom wall of my kids’ rooms. Yeah, that worked out about as well as Simon Cowell leaving American Idol. But I don’t care. I’ll never surrender. I’ll never give up (see: Winston Churchill quotes).
The truth is that nothing has really changed when it comes to history and young people. A 1943 survey of 7,000 college freshmen found that only 6 percent could name the original 13 colonies (quick, can you?). But that doesn’t mean we should be satisfied with our ignorance.
December 7, 1941.
Ask college kids the significance of that date and be prepared to be shocked. Yes, in my extraordinarily unscientific research of college interns in my office (from TCU, Arkansas and UTA), three out of four looked at me as if I’m just a goofy old guy who should go back to his PalmPilot and 8-track tapes.
Why do kids hate studying history? Why do their eyes glaze over whenever I ask them which came first, the Battle of the Alamo or the Civil War? I have no scientific proof, but I think schools teach history by talking way too much about events and way too little about the causes of events. History is fascinating and big-time relevant to everyone, but one has to dig in and know more than just the date something happened. That trip to the 6th Floor Museum proved that having the kids actually see the window where Oswald assassinated our 35th President leaves an indelible mark.
Now Dallas boasts another gem of a museum, the fancy new Perot Natural History Museum. Yes, it’s packed. But, yes, it’s truly awesome and a must-see. You have absolutely no excuses not to get out of the house and get your kids some serious hands-on education. The next time you drive down to Austin, remember to stop in Waco at the Texas Rangers and Dr Pepper museums. How can you go wrong with the history of gun-toting law enforcers and the most yummy sugar water on the planet?
July 4, 1776.
Interview a favorite high schooler you know and ask them exactly which document was signed on this date. For those of you who heard “the signing of the U.S. Constitution,” you’re unfortunately not alone. That important and much-discussed document was inked in 1787. You know, of course, that the Declaration of Independence is celebrated with fireworks, hot dogs and traffic jams on July 4th.
September 11, 2001.
OK, finally a date your kids older than 7 know very well. It’s been 12 years since our world literally came crumbling down. That moment in history changed so much, and we can’t escape its images. It’s a history lesson that resonates for all ages. At least for now. I wonder how long it will take for this date to start to drift.
Let’s work together to make sure that never happens. I’m taping up reminders on the walls this week.
Rudy lives in Flower Mound, works in Fort Worth and plays everywhere in between. He has one wife, one daughter, one son, one published book, one obsession with sports and 20 million observations on marriage and children. Follow him on Twitter: Manifesto10.
