Final Exam Based On Your Reading Of These Two Primary Docs

Final Exam Based Upon Your Reading Of These Two Primary Documents A

Final exam based upon your reading of these two primary documents and incorporating your textbook as a secondary source, answer the following question. Please provide specific examples from the documents that support your arguments. According to President Reagan, what does “having a positive view of American history” mean and what values does the country stand for? What should modern Americans think of their country’s past in regards to race relations according to Senator Obama? Do you agree with these documents' arguments about America’s past? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of national identity and historical perception plays a vital role in shaping contemporary American values and understanding of the nation’s past. Two primary documents—President Ronald Reagan’s 1983 speech defending American morality and Senator Barack Obama’s 2008 "A More Perfect Union" speech—offer contrasting yet interconnected perspectives on what it means to view American history positively and truthfully, especially regarding morality and race relations.

In Reagan’s 1983 speech, the core idea of “having a positive view of American history” revolves around the perception of America as the embodiment of morality rooted in traditional Christian values. Reagan characterizes the United States as fundamentally good, positioned on the side of good against evil. He asserts that America’s moral foundation is derived from Judeo-Christian principles, which should serve as the guiding compass for the nation’s identity and values. Reagan emphasizes that Americanism entails an unwavering belief in the country’s moral integrity, framing history as a moral struggle between good and evil, with America consistently aligning with the good. By doing so, Reagan advocates for an interpretation of American history that highlights virtue, moral clarity, and the importance of traditional values as central components of national identity.

Conversely, Obama’s 2008 speech adopts a more nuanced view, especially concerning race relations and the complex, often painful history of race in America. He argues that modern Americans should confront their history honestly, acknowledging both the moral achievements and the systemic injustices that have marked the nation’s past. Obama emphasizes the importance of unity, understanding, and reconciliation in dealing with the nation’s racial history. He suggests that acknowledging the darker aspects of history—including slavery, segregation, and ongoing racial disparities—is essential to fostering a truly inclusive sense of patriotism and progress. Obama’s portrayal encourages a positive view of American history that includes critical reflection on its imperfections, emphasizing that acknowledging flaws is integral to progress toward a more equitable future. For Obama, true patriotism involves embracing the nation's complex history, learning from it, and working collectively to address its ongoing challenges.

Evaluating these two perspectives raises questions about the nature of patriotism and historical understanding. Reagan’s focus on the moral virtues and traditional values suggests that a positive view of history entails celebrating America’s perceived inherent goodness and moral clarity. This view can foster national pride and unity but risks oversimplifying or glossing over darker chapters. Conversely, Obama’s approach advocates for a balanced appreciation—recognizing achievements while honestly confronting injustices—thus fostering a more inclusive, reform-minded patriotism.

In my view, both perspectives contain valid elements. Celebrating the moral achievements and foundational values of America can inspire national pride and unity, but it is equally vital to critically assess the nation’s troubled history concerning race relations. A comprehensive and constructive patriotism acknowledges both the virtues and flaws of the past. Historically, many Americans, especially marginalized groups, have experienced systemic inequalities that continue to impact society today. Therefore, a positive view of history should include acknowledgment and active efforts to rectify these injustices, fostering a collective effort toward greater equality and justice. This approach aligns more closely with Obama’s emphasis on confronting uncomfortable truths and working toward reconciliation, which I believe is essential for a genuinely inclusive and progressive national identity.

In conclusion, understanding America’s past requires a dual perspective: appreciating the nation’s accomplishments and moral foundations, while honestly confronting its shortcomings, especially regarding race relations. Both Reagan and Obama offer insights into how Americans can perceive their history—either through pride in moral virtue or through critical engagement and reform. It is through integrating these perspectives that a more authentic and unified sense of American identity can be cultivated, ensuring that national pride is grounded in truth, justice, and ongoing progress.

References

• Reagan, R. (1983). Address to the National Association of Evangelicals. The Reagan Library. https://www.reaganlibrary.gov
• Obama, B. (2008). A More Perfect Union. National Constitution Center. https://constitutioncenter.org
• Foner, E. (2019). Give Me Liberty! An American History. W.W. Norton & Company.
• McPherson, J. (2003). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
• Dudziak, M. L. (2000). Cold War Civil Rights: Race and the Image of Democracy. Princeton University Press.
• Davis, A. (1981). Women, Race, & Class. Random House.
• Luchte, J. (2018). The Reconstruction Amendments. Oxford University Press.
• Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. HarperPerennial Modern Classics.
• Burgess-Jackson, K. (2015). American Morality and Values. Routledge.
• Gutmann, A., & Thompson, D. (2004). Why deliberative democracy? Princeton University Press.