1.1.

1 Journal: Can History Be Objective? Journal

AP U.S. History Sem 1 Name:
Date:
This journal assignment is worth 10 points. To get the best grade possible, review
the scoring rubric below and follow the instructions in the assignment closely.

For this assignment, you will be considering whether a history book, or any
interpretation of history, can ever be completely objective. Based on the images of
John Brown you've studied in this activity and your experience reading history
textbooks, answer the following questions:

1. How are the two depictions of John Brown similar? How are they different?

Similarities

These two films are similar in that they both portray John Brown as a very powerful
man.

Differences

One gave him the impression that he was a well-educated collected individual.

The second depiction tried to paint him as a violent, and crazy man.

2. Which image do you think is most objective? Why do you think this? Hint: To be
objective means to focus only on facts and to not be influenced by personal feelings
or bias.
I consider that it was a bit of both since he fought and died for ethical and
theoretically noble causes but killed many people in the process, it should be
emphasized that after every act of rebellion against the institution there will always
be deaths behind, not only of the bad guys but also of the good

3. How does each of these images of John Brown make you feel?

In a photo they paint him as if he were some kind of Greek god, tall and muscular,

which could be seen in the eyes of the slaves he freed.

Honestly the other photo causes me a little discomfort since it is painted in a dark

and somewhat gloomy way.

4. Write an argument either supporting or opposing the statement below. Your argument should be at

least six sentences long and cite a minimum of two sources of evidence.

History textbooks are completely objective and do not reflect a biased interpretation of history

perspective is normally applied, which is why I think that this argument is wrong
since in every story or tale the narrator's it can easily be interpreted as the narrator

wants us to do it, for example in the series The Breaking Bad where they paint us the

perspective of a professor who was diagnosed with cancer and became a drug

dealer so that when the moment of his death comes, he can leave his family a

fortune, but in reality he is a chemistry teacher who does not want to die poor, so he

starts a drug business, kills people and endanger your family and loved ones.

This same example can be used in history books.

This rubric explains how you will be graded on this journal-writing activity.

Requirements Points Points

 Possible Awarded

Provide complete and accurate answers for questions 1-

3. 4

Write an argument stating whether or not you agree with

the statement: History textbooks are completely objective
and do not reflect a biased interpretation of history.
Paragraph should be at least six sentences long and
include two pieces of evidence. 6

Total 10

Comments:

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1.1.1 Journal: Can History Be Objective?