JE #2

Our educational system has done a superb job at teaching us, especially Mexican-Americans, the history of the conquerors. Throughout my time in the K-12 system I can only recall learning positive facts about the US-Mexico War. Not once did I think what I was learning was false or in any way false. Everything that I learned in the books had to be true or else what was the point of receiving an education. Regardless of this thought, the US education system did a well job of portraying the war as a war that began because of Mexican’s wrong doing. Of course, Anglo Americans always know what is right and provide the best of circumstances for anyone they “help.” Learning the history of  the US-Mexico War at my school was probably typical of any other student who was learning about it. Though, I can recall one time I asked my mother about the war and she seemed to point out a different story. I do not recall what exactly she told me just that it did not corroborate with what I was learning in class. I never questioned my teacher about this, but now that I reflect I should have. Through the education I received, it was made “clear” to me that the acquisition of the Mexican land was done rightfully and that the US even made a peace treaty with Mexico. Though after taking this course and learning the “other” history, I can now come to the conclusion that this war was not the peaceful war my education made it seem to be. De Leon tells the story of the conquered and so gives light to a different side of the story. Based on De Leon’s work I am able to rate my historical amnesia at about an 8 (10 being the highest). I would say 8 because most of my life I have learned the history of the conqueror. Only since I entered college did I begin learning about the history of the conquered. My own destiny was lost because I did not know my own history or the history of my ancestors. Many problems arise because of this war including poverty, disease, indigenous genocide, displacement, and so much more. Because of this war and the Anglo educational system, I lost pride of my culture, skin color, and family values. Though steadily I am gaining this back and reclaiming mystory.