Revisiting History: Ken Burns's 'The American Revolution' and Its Critics

Debunking the Myths Surrounding 'The American Revolution'

Have you caught Ken Burns's acclaimed series “The American Revolution” aired on PBS? Recently, it has become fodder for a flurry of critiques positioning it as overwhelmingly 'woke.'

For instance, Rich Lowry from The New York Post disparaged it as 'a woke mockery' laden with glorified narratives of oppressed groups. Similarly, Dan McLaughlin from National Review argued that the series veered into the territory of extreme leftist narratives. On a similar note, Adam Johnston from The Federalist labeled it a parade of 'ahistorical woke nonsense.'

As someone who is often skeptical of 'woke' appropriation of historical narratives, I admit such denunciations initially made me wary of watching this series. However, after viewing “The American Revolution,” I found the documentary not only captivating, but refreshingly educational.

Addressing the Iroquois Influence Thesis

A recurring critique is that Burns perpetuates the narrative of the founders being influenced by the Iroquois Confederacy in their quest to unite the colonies. This theory, suggested in the book Exemplar of Liberty: Native America and the Evolution of Democracy by Donald A. Grinde Jr. and Bruce E. Johansen, claims that an Onondaga leader advised Benjamin Franklin and other colonists on governance principles.

Critics of this thesis, including legal scholar Erik M. Jensen, underscored its speculative nature. They argue that Franklin's acknowledgment of the Iroquois was primarily a reflection of English colonial disdain for 'savages' rather than a genuine adoption of their governance ideas.

Whose History Are We Telling?

When the series mentions that the Iroquois had their own system of governance long before the formation of the United States, I did not see it as a crusade for revisionist history. On the contrary, acknowledging the existence of a sophisticated political structure among Native tribes enriches our understanding of early American democracy.

I refuse to believe that Franklin needed assistance in networking the colonies against British rule; the rationale was rather obvious. Further, a brief allusion to Iroquois principles doesn't negate the founders' steep immersion in classical antiquity. If it's 'woke' to assert that the Iroquois were anything but disparate tribes of hunters, then yes, I proudly wear that label.

Black History Included, Not Erased

A significant aspect of the docuseries is its commendable representation of Black individuals during the Revolutionary War. This portrayal challenges long-embedded myths about their absence in early American narratives.

The series unveils the profound presence of Black individuals in urban settings like Boston and Philadelphia; a reality often overlooked in traditional depictions. We learn that nearly 10% of the ranks at Valley Forge were Black soldiers, an astonishing statistic that elucidates the diverse fabric of early American warfare.

I, for one, found this information invaluable—it's a part of our history that deserves acknowledgment without apology.

Is It Really 'Virtue Signaling'?

Opponents of the series deride the inclusion of such histories as mere virtue-signaling. Yet, as I watched, the series made it clear that the iconic Crispus Attucks was listed among the deceased of the Boston Massacre in a way that hinted at systemic erasure, rather than celebrating diversity.

Furthermore, while some decry Burns's use of passive voice when describing how African slaves were 'captured,' I find such critiques misaligned with the overarching narrative he sought to portray. The central theme explored is revolutionary America's contradiction—how liberty and slavery coexisted—a reality that the series encountered candidly.

Burns's documentary raises poignant questions around liberty, ethics, and the American identity that echo beyond history into present discussions about justice and equity.

The Valuable Narratives of American History

In closing, “The American Revolution” offers a vital self-reflective account of history, weaving together diverse narratives that validate the struggles of various communities that formed early America. To declare it 'woke' is merely to mask an unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

As Burns illustrates not just the triumphs but also the tragedies underpinning our founding moments, he guarantees that the lessons learned are relevant even today.

Upcoming Cultural Events

On a different note, as we dive into the holiday season, let's not forget the vibrant cultural offerings around us! Don't miss the third annual cabaret show, “The Season,” showcasing more than 30 talented stars on stage, all in pursuit of a noble cause—benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.