West vs. East- Shifting the Historical Narrative
I can recall reading the history textbooks in both primary and secondary school. In every historical account it seemed to praise or revere the Eurocentric formation of western civilization. I was told of this by my mother who was my first teacher. I was home schooled until I was in the 3rd grade. It was important to my parents that we learned different perspectives and historical accounts not provided in traditional education. We would read Native American, Hispanic American, Asian American, African American history and many others that were not Eurocentric or even white american. I remember how much bigger my world view had become in understanding how our country was formed and the indigenous cultures and people groups that had already existed in our country. It was in through my early years of education I found a reverence and appreciation for all people, cultures and ethnic groups. I could empathize with their struggles and their triumphs. We all have a story no story is better than the other. All of our stories are woven together to form a united narrative the is both complex, painful and beautiful. Without holding all historical accounts in tandem the story in its fullness is never really told. When I began my public school education, I had a much different view of our world and our country. It made it difficult to sit through my history classes because it only told part of the story. When I would press my teachers they would quickly dismiss by saying that while what I am saying may be truthful we did not have time in our class to discuss the whole story. Therefore, I should not take away from our learning time by discussing matters not included in our textbook. Beyond my history classes it was evident in my literature classes when we primarily read books by white European writers. It was clear that the “west was the best”. The east was told through the narrative of forming it roots based on the west. Even Christian history has be often told with the same Eurocentric narrative. It is not until the last few decades has scholars and theologians pressed for the shift in the narrative to be told in its entirety. Earlier this year we read a book called “How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind” by Thomas C. Oden. In the book, he gives an historical account that dives into the African origin of the Christianity. this account is much different than the one that has been told for centuries that Christianity began in the west.
The challenge of shifting away from the Eurocentric accounts continues. This week we read a book entitled the “The Silk Roads: A New History of the World” by Peter Frankopan. Within this book he attempts to take on that challenge and talk about the history of the world from an eastern perspective. The Silk Roads were ancient trading routes that connected the east to the west. It was the central connection between China and the Mediterranean. The name of the road was derived from the trading of Silk from China. It was through these routes that civilizations emerged and connected. It was where economic growth occurred and political conflict surfaced. Frankopan spends 25 chapters describing how the road was involved in revolutions, destruction, political wars, trading and resources, etc. While the Silk Roads hold historical significance, today there is a continued interest and investment in the east as the economic growth and resource dependency increases. China and the middle east have grown in economic stability and necessity within our world economic system. For the US, we have established military bases in the Middle East to protect our access to oil and gas resources. There are very few items imported into the United States that do not say “made in China”. The economic structure and system in America is dependent on the east. It is apparent that the Silk Roads will continue to have significance in the the shaping of our worlds future. Frankopan writes “While we ponder where the next threat might come from, how best to deal with religious extremism, how to negotiate with states who seem willing to disregard international law, and how to build relations with peoples, cultures and regions about whom we have spent little or no time trying to understand, networks and connections are quietly being knitted together across the spine of Asia; or rather, they are being restored. The Silk Roads are rising again.”[1]
[1] Peter Frankopan, The Silk Roads: a new history of the world (New York: Vintage Books, 2017), 522.
About the Author
Christal Jenkins Tanks
6 responses to “West vs. East- Shifting the Historical Narrative”
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“There are very few items imported into the United States that do not say “made in China”. The economic structure and system in America is dependent on the east.”
I think of this whenever people hint at China and the United States going to war. The reality is that China and the U.S. are economically dependent on one another.
China’s seemingly endless supply of laborers can to work 6-7 days a week for less than $1.50 per hour. U.S. factories cannot compete, especially since workers rights in China are sporadically honored.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/average-cost-factory-worker_n_1327413.html
Even large projects like San Francisco’s new Bay Bridge was brought over from China, piece by piece.
China and the U.S. have a symbiotic relationship. As long as we can get all of the goods that we want at extremely low prices, we will continue to overlook their building of military bases on shoals in the waters of the Philippines or the forced organ donations of Chinese Christians and other religious prisoners.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-resolution/343/text
Ditto, Stu. I almost responded to that too, but instead I will respond to the “where the next threat might come from”.
Why are we even in such defensive postures? It was nice to get a perspective on history that wasn’t Western centered, but it seems that people are the same everywhere – always looking out for #1. Why do we see everyone as a potential enemy instead of figuring out how we can get along with everybody?
You are so blessed to have had the education you did. Wish more educators were like your mom.
I really enjoyed your personal learning experience with homeschooling. As a former history teacher, I was always supplementing the current history books that were sadly lacking in representing the minority viewpoint, especially women and their contribution to history. I applaud your parents for supplementing your education and differ strongly with your teachers who tried to silence you in class. They missed out on your valuable perspective. You gave them an opportunity to enrich the learning experience for the whole class, and they opted out. I hope you keep writing and speaking. Our churches and culture need to hear from you. I know this is yet another affirming response but I just can’t help it. 🙂
Christal, you make an excellent and important point. The words, “Without holding all historical accounts in tandem the story in its fullness is never really told” is quotable and important to hear and understand. The more stories we read and hear the clearer we see the world and even God’s redemptive story. Appreciate your post.
Christal,
your personal story of learning about and from different perspectives at an early age was awesome…. It is so critical to understanding the ‘big’ full picture and also the basic, human necessity of being able to see things – whether it is events past, present or future – from a variety of perspectives.
The sooner we expose people to a variety of perspectives, the better, especially as the longer you live in a world with only one (or just limited) perspective the more hostile you tend to be towards new perspectives when you encounter them.
All I remember about history in my school days was how handsome my history teacher was. I heard nothing he said. All I did was to make sure I was on the front row. I did pass but I couldn’t tell you how.
Great story.