Historical role models - Amy Bissetta

Many notable American historical figures are considered role models -- but why? George Washington was devilishly smart, and Abraham Lincoln was a brave leader, but have you heard of Sybil Ludington or Beriah Green? Amy Bissetta expounds on the lessons of character we can learn from these historical giants, whether you've heard of them or not.

Lesson by Amy Bissetta, animation by Mark Phillips.

[Tamerleen]

@Adrian Winborg
Not all of us consider "an eye for an eye" justice. That tells us more about what you think than anything else.

[TEDEd]

Thanks for your comment. We totally agree and would love more Lessons on history around the world. If you or anyone you know would like to submit a Lesson or nominate an educator, please do so on our website (ed dot ted dot com) in the Get Involved Section. We look forward to hearing your ideas!

[Antenox]

First, she only mentioned American heroes because she's an American junior high schoolteacher (i.e. she teaches kids aged 11 to 13), not a professor of world history.

Second, the art style perfectly fits the talk, because the talk itself is directed at younger audiences, which is why the art style is that of a cartoon. How could this have possibly gone over your head?

[defydog]

Thank you.
I'm not necessarily disappointed by the topics of the videos, just that the examples and analogies used are often very culture centric. For instance, I would assume there are numerous historical role models from around the world that demonstrate the qualities mentioned here, but the creators chose to highlight only North American figures. That's what kills my buzz, but I will definitely check out that link :)

[googledocs]

Everyone needs to relax about this video being American centric. She should have changed the title to American Historical Role Models but anyone chosen would irritate someone out there. This is why we have the freedom to watch any videos we want! (and make comments)! Freedom of Speech! Gotta love it! -- but I know half of you will find fault with the American idea of Freedom of Speech (and most of you will do it from your American living room! Go for it! --THen smile ;)

[zekel.]

one thought was in my head while watching WHAT....  

[JIEUN]

Virtues - they are important but easy to forget in our daily life. By remembering our role models from time to time, we can be a little bigger than before, I hope. :)

[InfindecimalSlice]

All is fair in love and war yes.. the douchiness comes from the one presenting the video and characterizing it as a product of brilliance.. o m g..

[STleave]

what's with the abrupt ending in the midst of the story?

[HalidYusein]

Another thing is - it doesn't matter if she is seventh grade schoolteacher. You can talk about all sorts of things. And I'm sure she knows non-american historical role models too. BUT at the end everything comes to the description of the video, which blows away every ignorant comment (including few of mine, because I didn't pay attention when I had to). Have a nice day/night! :)

[Antenox]

Correct, but inhabitants of a region are more directly affected by the historical events of their region than they are by historical events in other parts of the world. And the woman speaking in the video is a schoolteacher of American seventh graders.

[HalidYusein]

It again comes to Ms. Bissetta and that she is talking about historical figures, but specifically Americans. And therefore people get a bit angry, because they think the title of the video is misleading.

[FreshHeat]

The whole point of these TedEd videos is to reach a younger audience. Not every video is going to be for the very critical and serious viewer. I think kids would enjoy watching this video and would learn a lot from. Yes, some of it is oversimplified but children aren't apt to understand ambiguous details.

[Antenox]

That's a poor excuse for the anger shown by many of the ignorant posters complaining, especially considering the video isn't even about the historical figures themselves, but the virtues they (supposedly) exemplify.

Not to mention the video's description explicitly states:
"Many notable AMERICAN historical figures are considered role models -- but why?"

[Antenox]

Oh, give me a break. The reason they never fought at night or in the winter was because it's just plain harder to fight at night or in the winter in the days before artificial heat and lighting. It was practicality, not gentlemanly honor that kept large armies from fighting in those conditions.

For that matter, pre-industrial battles would be postponed for days over the wind, the rain, etc., just because THOSE conditions would be advantageous/disadvantageous for one side or the other.

[DEATHSCOPE]

You're a child if you think that in a time of war, people will respect and abide each other's code of honor on the basis of ethics. Find me a war where it was fought cleanly and honorably.

[Antenox]

Are you agreeing or disagreeing with me that no one would be bitching about it?

[ChristianthSF]

Lincolns intentions wasnt to free the slaves, he simply realised that by making that his primary mission that it would motivate other states to join and it would give him support from europe, the emancipation only freed slaves in the south, there were still slaves up north.

[Antenox]

First, read the VERY FIRST SENTENCE in the description. This video is not about the historical figures themselves, it's about the virtues they supposedly embody. The nationality and even the individuals are irrelevant. More important are the anecdotes she recounts.

Second, this isn't a classroom lesson, it's a 5-min video. Look at any of the other 5-10 minute TED Ed vids, and they're all a little low on maturity compared to what you might expect in an actual classroom on the same topic.

[ihavepotatopie]

wait how did this video go from abraham lincoln to asking out a cute boy.