Though now overshadowed by budget crises, history has been in the news quite a bit in the past decade in connection with the Florida legislatre.  Recent debates converning "revisionist" history have frankly confused the public, and historians at Florida's universities and colleges have not been doing a good job explaining what the study of history is all about and why it is important for today's society.
       You are a professor in the history department at UF and now have the opportunity to address the confused public in an op-ed essay for the Gainesville Sun.  You assignment is very simple.  In a 1 to 2-page essay (double-spaced) explain what it means "to think historically" and why this type of thinking and analysis is important for our society today.  A careful reading of this week's assignments (required and recommended) along with a review of Monday's lecture will help you formulate a coherent essay.

2. Uses and Abuses of History
        In her recent book Dangerous Games: The Uses and Abuses of History (2009) Oxford historian Margaret MacMillan has described how history can be a positive or negative force in political and cultural life.  “The past can be used for almost anything you want to do in the present. We abuse it when we create lies about the past or write histories that show only one perspective. We can draw our lessons carefully or badly. That does not mean we should not look to history for understanding, support, and help; it does mean that we should do so with care."  MacMillan’s book focuses less on the academic writing of history than on the use of history in the public arena.           
        As a recent graduate of UF (in history of course) and a responsible citizen, write a one-two page op-ed piece on this theme.  Find a conrete example of how a political leader, journalist, or other public figure has used or abused history.  Consider how this figure has attempted to influence public opinion through an appeal to history.  Be specific in describing how he or she has “misused” the past for a specific political, cultural, social or religious agenda.  Conclude by reflecting on the responsible use of history in our society today.