Objectivity in the Recording of History

In the recording of history, it is impossible to be objective.
Describe a specific situation in which it might be possible to be objective in the recording of history. Discuss what you think determines when objectivity in the recording of history is possible and when it is not.
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When public school teachers create lesson plans, they must follow guidelines set by national and state curriculum standards. Students use the same social studies text book for their grade level and therefore, all are inculcated in similar events of American history and accepted standards in civic education. Students are usually expected to accept the historical lessons as fact. However, the reality is that it is impossible to be completely objective in the recording of history. It is, therefore, important for teachers to teach students how to think critically about information that they come across and be aware that all analyses reflects the author's bias.

Just because recorded history cannot be completely objective does not mean it is false or tainted with errors. There is never one correct explanation for historical events and the analysis will always show (however subtle) the biases of the author. These may include, among other things, his family and educational background, consulted resources, and philosophical leanings. These biases are reflected in the analysis in myriad of ways---from what material he chooses to include and exclude, his choice in wording, etc.

A historian, however, can take steps to strive for objectivity. This can be done by first acknowledging his biases and points of views and then attempting to study and present all sides of an issue. It is, however, impossible to research, as well as write about all aspects of an issue. This fact per se shows how complete objectivity regarding historical events cannot be obtained. Certain news shows, such as NPR and PBS NewsHour, strive for a certain objectivity contrasting with material from the popular punditry shows. However, even NPR and PBS Newshour cannot be completely objective in their presentation of news (and in essence, history). The content they choose to present, for example, reflects a certain bias. Indeed, there exists degrees of what is considered more (or less) objective and NPR and NewsHour tend to rank higher than Fox News and CNN, for instance, in the "objectivity scale."

Granted, straight facts---such as dates and places of events---are considered objective recordings of history. No one, for example, can argue with the fact that the Twin Towers were destroyed on 9/11 or that Nagasaki, Japan was the site ravaged by nuclear bombs during WWII. However, whether these events are included in textbooks or how these events culminated show the inherently subjective nature of the recording of history. What is recorded in textbooks, indeed, may pose significant implications for the future . Many may learn lessons and make decisions based on historical outcomes. Others choose to ignore history and make the same mistakes of the past. It is important, therefore, for historians, teachers, and journalists to understand their biases in presenting history and encourage their audiences to think critically for themselves when receiving information.