June 11, 2015: Del Rio News-Herald * OPINION * Letter to the Editor * Politics vs. pop culture

Letter to the Editor,

Politics vs. Pop culture

Last semester Cathi and Evan were taking United States History I class with Professor Hago at Southern Desert State University (SDSU) and their assignment was to interview undergraduate students about their knowledge of past and current United States historical events.

They decided to do a “man on the street” type interview video, like the ones on TV talk shows and YouTube.

The undergraduate students they interviewed in the college courtyard were a diverse group: female and male; African American/Black, Caucasian/White, and Hispanic/Latino; with majors in Accounting, Biology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, English Literature, History, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Psychology and Teacher Education.  

Cathi asked a United States History question about the past, “Who won the Civil War?”

First: (Silence, no response.)

Second: We did, the South.

Third: The one in 1965 or which Civil War?

Fourth: Who was in it?

Fifth: I don’t even know.

Sixth: America?

Seventh: The Confederates, right?

Eighth: I have no clue.

Ninth: This is so embarrassing, you put me on the spot and I just don’t remember right now. I know I know the answer.

Tenth: The Union, the North.

Evan asked a United States History question about the present, “Who is our Vice President?”

First: I don’t know.

Second: I have no idea.

Third: Of right now? I don’t know.

Fourth: Umm, what is his name? Oh, my gosh! I have his face in my head.

Fifth: Is this like a trick question?

Evan: Nope.

Fifth: Okay, I don’t know.

Sixth: I have no idea.

Seventh: Don’t know.

Eighth: (Laughing)

Ninth: I know I should know it.

Tenth: John, umm, Joe Biden.

They decided to ask questions about current popular events.

Cathi asked, “Who is the star of The Hunger Games?”

First through Tenth responded: “Jennifer Lawrence.”

Evan asked, “Who is Justin Bieber’s on and off-again girlfriend?”

First through Tenth responded: “Selena Gomez”.

Cathi and Evan got an “A” on their assignment.

“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.” ― Edmund Burke

Know the past and learn from it!

Marian Casillas, Ed.D.