General Discussion

As to the OP, popular history is much like the news media. Subject to fashion, hype, and manipulation. Academic history is subject to these forces also, but there is usually an accessable corrective or counter to the worst propaganda.

After the basic spadework of determining the facts is done, the fun part starts: interpreting the facts. It is very possible for one interpretation or another to gain ascendancy and overrule others, to the point where one has to do some digging to find different viewpoints. Was the Reagan era a time of economic prosperity or disaster? Depends on who you listen to.

Because of these things, history can sink below the radar of most people. Most of us have heard about the Kent State shootings; fewer have heard of (or remember) the Jackson State shootings. But the information is still there for the interested party.

-- Mal