You have just completed a lesson on the origins of slavery in the Western Hemisphere. While the different nations within the Western Hemisphere abolished slavery at different times, it is fair to say that slavery officially ended in the United States more than 150 years ago. Yet it is still a topic of discussion both formally—within the government and educational institutions and debates—and informally—around the dinner table. Consider why this is and how (or if) understanding the history of slavery helps our future. Visit the websites listed in the "More Resources" in the sidebar. Explore each site to see what it contains and reflect on what you can learn from the material within. Each of these sites was probably funded by public grant money to preserve and educate on the history of slavery. Consider whether or not you feel this form of preservation and education is relevant and helpful to our future.
Watch television—that's right—spend some time on the couch watching television and see if you notice anything that reflects history. Do you get all of the jokes or references made? Consider whether history is present in what you watch every day.
Talk to your parents, or any older person, about an issue that you are currently experiencing—don't ask for advice—just ask them about their own experience with the issue (it can be about something as irrelevant as learning to whistle to something as universal as their first car crash.) Consider if you got any insight from that discussion that will help your future.
Now that you've taken the above steps, answer the following questions: Does the study of history matter? Why or why not? Give examples of how you came to your conclusion as you completed the above steps.