History Through Social and Political Lenses: Interpreting the Past - Essay Sample

Introduction

History, which is generally conceived of recorded events that took place in the past refer to past human events and affairs. Historical lenses, which include social, political and economic aspects affect greatly how different people perceive historical events. The social lens is a depiction of people and their interactions in various ways such as cultures and religions. The political lens focuses on states governments and the acts of exercising power over a group of people. On the other hand, the economical lens on the economies, either, local, national or international, and their relationship with the aspect of people's lives (Russett 2011). A change of a specific lens presents a different view of a historical event leading to a varying outcome. This results in new solution emerging. For instance, when one uses a social lens standpoint to a certain historical event, he/she applies a social perception of the event and how it had social effects or the impacts to the social wellbeing to the respective group of people. However, when one changes from social standpoint to economic lens standpoint then he/she will have an economical based perceivemen and will try to analyze how the event had various impacts to the economy of the specific state or country on economy lens, one will try to analyze the effects of the specific event to the economic performance. Whereas if one chooses the political standpoint, he/she will have a view of the event on political repercussions. Therefore, each lens gives a different outlook of a historical event and therefore results in new perceptions of these events.

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Explain how historical lenses could be applied to your topic. For instance, are there aspects of this event that might interest a political historian, and what are they?

The historical lenses, that is, social, economic and political are significantly applicable to the rise and fall of apartheid rule in South Africa. The rise and fall of apartheid rule in South Africa are one of the most significant historical events that took place in South Africa from 1948 analyzing the oppressive and brutal state of apartheid rule that involved racial discrimination up to its collapse in the late 19th century after great opposition. On the social lens, an individual may be interested in the social aspect of the event. This would involve the interest of how racial discrimination in the apartheid rule was practiced, the races that were discriminated, the superior and inferior races as well as making an evaluation of how the racial discrimination affected the wellbeing and social interactionism in South Africa. On the political lens, one may be interested in making political analysis of the apartheid system. This would include the nationalist who was in power, as well as the political impacts of the apartheid system, for instance, the rise of nationalism and political parties that fought against the rule. The economic lens would draw the interest of the impacts of apartheid rule to the economy of South Africa.

Choose one of the lenses referenced above, and detail how the historical narrative you started in your research and introduction might change through this lens. For instance, how might the "story" of your event change when studied through its political aspects?

The aspect of apartheid rule system in South Africa could effectively change in respect to the political lens. This is because political lens would provide a perception of an authoritarian political culture in which apartheid system was based on. The lens gives a viewpoint of the superiority of the white race against black Africans (Russett 2011). The policy was induced by the nationalist when they came to power. Therefore, the historical narrative of the rise and fall of apartheid rule would change into a political outlook with the critics having the polity concerns of the event and the administrative practice that took place at that period in South Africa.

Discuss what conclusions you can draw about the "telling" of history in relation to the "teller." How does this impact for you what "history" is? Be sure to back up your opinions with information learned throughout the course and in reference to your chosen topic

History, which is an account of man's past events and activities, usually have the future of repetition of these past events and activities with the aim of passing information and instilling teachings. Telling history in relation to the teller depicts a situation of how history is passed from one person to another and within generations. This has significantly affected our conceptual outlook of history. Normally, in our today generation, we get history from secondary sources. These secondary sources have the source of historical events from the primary sources. Nevertheless, these primary sources constitute thoughts of initial experiences of the specific historical events. Therefore, the secondary source refers to the specific someone who has "taken" the historical event from the primary source "teller." The primary source pertains an individual or a group who holds the same views of a historical event, "the telling of history in relation to the teller." This the telling of history in relation to the teller can be biased because it depends on one person/group ideas.

Based on Your Conclusions, Articulate the Value Of Studying History

History is an account of past events. Studying history is important in the preservation of past events. It helps us understand our past and allows us to plan for the future. Through studying history we are able to get vital teachings in reference to various lenses as well as getting a realization of various evolutions and the evolutionary processes, for instance, we get an understanding of origins mankind and different cultures and their developments (White 2002). In studying history, are able to realize and appreciate contributions of different people towards national development. In addition, the value of studying history is that we get a comprehension of social, political, and economic developments.

Describe how you could apply to our lives today what you have learned from the event you have studied. Be sure to reference specific contemporary issues. For instance, what specific issues that we encounter today could benefit from lessons learned from your event?

I have learned the appreciation of different cultures and races of people. I can effectively apply this in modern contemporary society by recognizing and appreciating different cultural groups as well as different racial groups. Therefore, I have the responsibility to protect other people who face discrimination in terms of race, color, or social status. I will also ensure I pass historical information to other generations. This will facilitate the spread of past events and gave some teachings, enlightenment, and insight into other generations. I should be patriotic and have a sense of belonging as a citizen of my country. In addition, I should appreciate people's contributions to national development.

Discuss your opinion of the adage that "history repeats itself." Do you agree or disagree? Be sure to explain why you have this opinion with information you have learned throughout the course and in your research on your topic.

History usually repeats itself. This is because history is a recurrence of past events. It constitutes the repetition of similar historical events. Therefore, in some instances, people usually confess to hearing specific stories more than once. More so, there is an importance of repetition so as to instill more teachings because past historical events help us make future decisions. Therefore, when the lessons and teachings that are instilled to us through history are not learned then it repeats itself. For example the issue of racial discrimination in South Africa usually repeats itself even in other states in the world, though to a lesser extent.

Discuss your obligation as a citizen of your society to understanding the history behind issues that impact you every day. For instance, what civic duties you can be better at if you know more about their history? How can be a more informed member of society benefit you and society?

As a citizen, I have several obligations to my society. I can be better at meeting these civic duties or obligations if I have an effective understanding of their history. These obligations include; staying well informed about the issues that impact the society, participating in the democratic processes, obeying the laws, and respecting the beliefs, rights, and opinions that are given by other people in the society.

In addition, being a more informed member of society is important because one enjoys the comfort of being informed. One has an appeal a superior notion of knowing different events that are happening in the society. One is able to know some events that are very important to himself or society. These help one to be more knowledgeable and have information about societal issues, challenges, and events.

References

Russett, B. (2011). Democracy, war, and expansion through historical lenses. In Hegemony and Democracy (pp. 27-44). Routledge.

White, H. (2002). The historical text as a literary artifact. Narrative Dynamics: Essays on time, plot, closure, and frames, 191-210.