On these cold, snowy winter days when it's dangerous to be outside, I watch some of the zillions of channels available on TV. Many times I am watching programs that feature history-related topics. Two days ago I found myself watching a program about the Mexican Revolution. I learned so much in that single hour that I have felt ashamed ever since.
Why do I know so very little about Mexican history? I am a glutton for history. American history has always been my special field. I read new books about it all the time. I am also pretty well-versed in world history, even including Africa. I'm conversant with Canadian history, too. Yet I knew so little about what I saw in this documentary that I was stunned and appalled. Further reflection showed my general ignorance of the history of Central and South America, too, once I moved past the conquistadors, the film "The Mission", Simon Bolivar, and the Panama Canal. Really, how pathetic is that?
My mind is not a complete blank about these topics, of course, but there is plenty of room for further information. I don't imagine that I'm alone in my ignorance of the history of the nations that lie south of the Rio Grande. When I taught church history in Chicago, I did include lessons about the spread of Catholic Christianity through the Franciscan missions, and of course the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but I never pursued an examination of any more recent history.
Now I feel compelled to bring my knowledge up to date. I need to understand Mexico more. I need to examine how Mexico's history has shaped her and how Mexico's past continues to affect her future. I have so many former students and friends who proudly celebrate their Mexican heritage, and I am so ignorant of all the threads woven into that cultural tapestry. If I am ever fortunate enough to travel to Mexico, I want to be able to appreciate the whole country, and not just the resort beaches!
I have a feeling that my library visits are going to focus on an entirely new section of shelves!
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