HST 150 Module #4
The Dope Show
Recreational drug use has been a part of human history for thousands of years, and the ancient world was no exception. From the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt to the classical cultures of Greece and Rome, drugs were used for a variety of purposes, including religious rituals, medical treatments, and entertainment. While some ancient societies used drugs to achieve spiritual or medical benefits, others used them for more hedonistic reasons. In this essay, we will explore the use of recreational drugs in the ancient world, including the positives and negatives, and the historical examples that illustrate their use. One of the most well-known examples of recreational drug use in the ancient world was in Greece. During the classical period (5th and 4th centuries BCE), the Greeks used drugs such as wine and opium for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Wine was considered a staple of Greek life and was used in social gatherings, religious ceremonies, and even in athletic competitions. Opium, on the other hand, was used primarily for its pain-relieving properties and was widely used as a sleep aid.
Another example is the use of drugs in ancient China. As early as the 1st century BCE, the Chinese were using opium, which they believed had medicinal properties. By the 7th century CE, opium had become widely used for recreational purposes and was often used in social gatherings and as a form of entertainment. The Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) was particularly famous for its use of opium, and the practice was considered to be an important aspect of the Chinese cultural heritage. The use of drugs in the ancient world was not without its negatives. In Greece, for example, the widespread use of wine led to a significant increase in drunkenness and related social problems, such as violence and moral decay. In China, the widespread use of opium led to addiction, financial ruin, and social decay.
Despite these negatives, the use of drugs in the ancient world was also seen as a positive in certain contexts. For example, in Greece, the use of wine was seen as a means of fostering social and cultural bonds, and it played an important role in the religious and spiritual lives of the Greeks. In China, opium was seen as a form of self-expression, and it was used as a means of escape from the rigors of daily life. It is crucial to study the use of drugs in the ancient world because it provides insight into human behavior and the role that drugs have played in shaping human society. By understanding the motivations behind the use of drugs and the cultural and social contexts in which they were used, we can better understand the impact of drugs on human history and the lessons that can be learned from this history.
In conclusion, recreational drug use has been a part of human history for thousands of years and was widely used in the ancient world, including Greece and China. While there were negatives associated with drug use, such as addiction and social decay, there were also positives, such as fostering social bonds and providing a means of escape from daily life. Studying the use of drugs in the ancient world is important because it provides insight into human behavior and the role that drugs have played in shaping human society.
THE RUNDOWN
Providing pain relief
Causing addiction and social decline
QUESTIONS
Recreational drug use has been a part of human history for thousands of years, and the ancient world was no exception. From the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt to the classical cultures of Greece and Rome, drugs were used for a variety of purposes, including religious rituals, medical treatments, and entertainment. While some ancient societies used drugs to achieve spiritual or medical benefits, others used them for more hedonistic reasons. In this essay, we will explore the use of recreational drugs in the ancient world, including the positives and negatives, and the historical examples that illustrate their use. One of the most well-known examples of recreational drug use in the ancient world was in Greece. During the classical period (5th and 4th centuries BCE), the Greeks used drugs such as wine and opium for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Wine was considered a staple of Greek life and was used in social gatherings, religious ceremonies, and even in athletic competitions. Opium, on the other hand, was used primarily for its pain-relieving properties and was widely used as a sleep aid.
Another example is the use of drugs in ancient China. As early as the 1st century BCE, the Chinese were using opium, which they believed had medicinal properties. By the 7th century CE, opium had become widely used for recreational purposes and was often used in social gatherings and as a form of entertainment. The Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) was particularly famous for its use of opium, and the practice was considered to be an important aspect of the Chinese cultural heritage. The use of drugs in the ancient world was not without its negatives. In Greece, for example, the widespread use of wine led to a significant increase in drunkenness and related social problems, such as violence and moral decay. In China, the widespread use of opium led to addiction, financial ruin, and social decay.
Despite these negatives, the use of drugs in the ancient world was also seen as a positive in certain contexts. For example, in Greece, the use of wine was seen as a means of fostering social and cultural bonds, and it played an important role in the religious and spiritual lives of the Greeks. In China, opium was seen as a form of self-expression, and it was used as a means of escape from the rigors of daily life. It is crucial to study the use of drugs in the ancient world because it provides insight into human behavior and the role that drugs have played in shaping human society. By understanding the motivations behind the use of drugs and the cultural and social contexts in which they were used, we can better understand the impact of drugs on human history and the lessons that can be learned from this history.
In conclusion, recreational drug use has been a part of human history for thousands of years and was widely used in the ancient world, including Greece and China. While there were negatives associated with drug use, such as addiction and social decay, there were also positives, such as fostering social bonds and providing a means of escape from daily life. Studying the use of drugs in the ancient world is important because it provides insight into human behavior and the role that drugs have played in shaping human society.
THE RUNDOWN
- Recreational drug use has a long history, including in the ancient world
- The Greeks and Chinese used drugs such as wine, opium, and hemp for medicinal and recreational purposes
- Drug use had both positive and negative effects, such as:
Providing pain relief
Causing addiction and social decline
- Studying drug use in the ancient world provides insight into human behavior and the impact on society.
QUESTIONS
- How did the use of drugs in the ancient world compare to contemporary drug use and why?
- What lessons can be learned from the history of ancient drug use and how does this inform contemporary drug policies?
- What was the role of religion and spirituality in the use of drugs in the ancient world, and how did this impact drug use and cultural attitudes towards drugs?
- How did the trade and spread of drugs impact ancient civilizations and their relationships with other cultures?
- How did ancient medical practices and beliefs influence the use of drugs, and what was the relationship between drug use and medical treatments in the ancient world?
#4 Don't Focus on the 1% of History
I mentioned prior that the two ways to really know a culture was trough their food and their music. But there are other ways that are quite frankly a little more fun: sex and drugs. The things a culture does in private gives us another chapter of the book of history that most historians often skip writing. And perhaps this is selfish, but I just am not that interested in the dogmas of religion and politics. It seems that that we want to focus on historical figures and their grandiose policies and edicts rather than the what the everyday man or woman endured. So, our next rule of history: Don’t focus on the 1% of history. If you do, you will only be looking at essentially elite white men, and as we all know by now there are plenty of other stories to tell. Howard Zinn started this notion with bottom up history in his work, People’s History of the United States, and has since evolved into the “from the gutter up” lens of history coined by Thaddeus Russell in his work A Renegade’s History of the United States.
Focusing solely on the 1% of history means we only consider a small fraction of the events and experiences that have shaped our world. This narrow perspective limits our understanding of the complexity of historical events and the diverse perspectives of those involved. By focusing on only the 1% of history, we risk excluding the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups and individuals historians may not have included in the mainstream narrative. For example, focusing on the 1% of history may mean only studying the achievements of wealthy white men while ignoring the contributions of women, people of color, and other minority groups.
By only considering the 1% of history, we risk distorting the true nature of events and experiences. For example, we only focus on the 1% of history that showcases the accomplishments of a particular group. In that case, we may create an overly optimistic portrayal of that group while ignoring their flaws or harmful actions. By only considering the 1% of history, we may need to fully understand the factors that have shaped our world and the lessons we can learn from the past. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and the inability to make informed decisions about the present and future. Focusing on the 1% of history limits our understanding of the past and can result in a distorted and incomplete worldview. It is essential to consider diverse perspectives and experiences to have a more complete and accurate understanding of history.
History is not a mere recollection of dates, events, and people. It is the story of human existence, an account of our struggles, achievements, and failures throughout time. The tapestry weaves together the threads of our past, present, and future. However, the dominant narrative of history has often focused on the so-called "great men" and the significant events that shaped their lives. This approach to history needs to be revised, as it ignores the richness and diversity of human experiences. We must recognize that history is not just the story of the victors but also the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. By centering only on the 1% of history, we risk perpetuating a distorted and incomplete view of our past. Moreover, we need to take advantage of valuable insights into the complexities of human societies and cultures.
The relevance of a more inclusive and diverse view of history is evident in our present-day struggles for justice and equality. The erasure of the contributions and experiences of underrepresented groups in our history perpetuates systemic inequalities and discrimination. We can challenge the dominant narratives that reinforce these injustices by embracing a more nuanced and inclusive view of history. To illustrate this point, we can look to the history of resistance and struggle against oppression. From the enslaved people who rebelled against their captors to the civil rights activists who fought for racial equality, the stories of those who resisted and challenged the status quo have often been overlooked in traditional historical accounts. By amplifying these voices and stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and ongoing struggle for justice.
The 1% is all about the big shots and significant events taught in school: wars, revolutions, inventions, and famous folks who made their mark on the world. And yeah, they're important, no doubt about it. But here's the thing: they're just a tiny slice of the whole pie. See, there's a whole bunch of other people and events that have played a part in our human story. And if we only focus on the 1%, we're missing out on a lot. And that's not good, my friends. It can mess with our understanding of things and make us see things in a way that's not entirely true. Plus, it gives us a one-sided and quite twisted view of history.
If you want to get a real taste of history, you can't just stick to the 1% of it that's been talked about ad nauseam. That's like trying to savor a dish by only chewing on one ingredient. History is a rich tapestry woven with countless threads, each adding flavor to the mix. It's not some linear story with a clear beginning and end but a complex dish with layers of nuance and subtlety. By only focusing on the big names and significant events, we're missing out on the true richness of the past. We must embrace history's complexity if we want to savor all its delicious flavors. The ruling class and the cultural elite have long monopolized the narrative of history. These stories center around the exploits of a select few high-profile individuals who have etched their names into the annals of human civilization. But remember that these extraordinary events and personalities are only part of the picture. Natural history lies in everyday people's collective experiences and contributions, whose voices and stories have often been suppressed and ignored.
From the farmer to the laborer, from the homemaker to the factory worker, ordinary people have always played a critical role in shaping human events. They may not have had the same power and influence as the elites. Still, their collective actions and struggles have sparked revolutions and brought about social change that has forever altered the trajectory of history. Beyond the 1%: That's where the real juicy stuff is, the stuff that'll make your hair stand on end and your mind expand. See, by checking out the experiences of the common folk; we can get a natural grip on what life was like back in the day. We can focus on their daily struggles, hopes, and dreams and what made them tick. We can also suss out how the social, political, and economic systems we got today came to be. We can see how they've changed and where they might be headed. And if we're paying attention, we can spot the patterns and lessons to help us make better choices moving forward.
Do you know what's funny? History books always talk about the big names, the fancy inventors and entrepreneurs, and James Watt and Andrew Carnegie. They'll tell you that their brains made the industrial revolution happen. But that's just a load of bull. The real driving force behind that transformation of society was the millions of grunts working their butts off day after day. Sure, those fat cats made their profits off the backs of those workers. They exploited them and worked them to the bone. They're still with us today, shaping our society and our economy. But without those workers, there wouldn't have been a damn revolution, to begin with. And the consequences of that revolution? Do you want to know the truth? To understand what went down during the industrial revolution, you've got to look at the experiences of ordinary folks. Those folks who never got their names in the history books. Because it was their sweat and their blood that made the world we live in today.
As we draw to a close, let us remember that the chronicles of history are not mere chronicles of the elite's exploits. Though the accounts of the ruling minority may hold significance, they should not be the sole focus of our inquiry. A failure to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people would result in a distorted and narrow-minded view of the past, thereby hampering our comprehension of the present. We must broaden our scope and give voice to those historically marginalized and silenced, for only then can we attain a comprehensive understanding of our shared human story.
THE RUNDOWN
Work Cited:
Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States: 1492-Present. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2015.
Hobsbawm, Eric. The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789-1848. Vintage Books, 1996.
Scott, James C. Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed. Yale University Press, 1999.
I mentioned prior that the two ways to really know a culture was trough their food and their music. But there are other ways that are quite frankly a little more fun: sex and drugs. The things a culture does in private gives us another chapter of the book of history that most historians often skip writing. And perhaps this is selfish, but I just am not that interested in the dogmas of religion and politics. It seems that that we want to focus on historical figures and their grandiose policies and edicts rather than the what the everyday man or woman endured. So, our next rule of history: Don’t focus on the 1% of history. If you do, you will only be looking at essentially elite white men, and as we all know by now there are plenty of other stories to tell. Howard Zinn started this notion with bottom up history in his work, People’s History of the United States, and has since evolved into the “from the gutter up” lens of history coined by Thaddeus Russell in his work A Renegade’s History of the United States.
Focusing solely on the 1% of history means we only consider a small fraction of the events and experiences that have shaped our world. This narrow perspective limits our understanding of the complexity of historical events and the diverse perspectives of those involved. By focusing on only the 1% of history, we risk excluding the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups and individuals historians may not have included in the mainstream narrative. For example, focusing on the 1% of history may mean only studying the achievements of wealthy white men while ignoring the contributions of women, people of color, and other minority groups.
By only considering the 1% of history, we risk distorting the true nature of events and experiences. For example, we only focus on the 1% of history that showcases the accomplishments of a particular group. In that case, we may create an overly optimistic portrayal of that group while ignoring their flaws or harmful actions. By only considering the 1% of history, we may need to fully understand the factors that have shaped our world and the lessons we can learn from the past. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and the inability to make informed decisions about the present and future. Focusing on the 1% of history limits our understanding of the past and can result in a distorted and incomplete worldview. It is essential to consider diverse perspectives and experiences to have a more complete and accurate understanding of history.
History is not a mere recollection of dates, events, and people. It is the story of human existence, an account of our struggles, achievements, and failures throughout time. The tapestry weaves together the threads of our past, present, and future. However, the dominant narrative of history has often focused on the so-called "great men" and the significant events that shaped their lives. This approach to history needs to be revised, as it ignores the richness and diversity of human experiences. We must recognize that history is not just the story of the victors but also the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. By centering only on the 1% of history, we risk perpetuating a distorted and incomplete view of our past. Moreover, we need to take advantage of valuable insights into the complexities of human societies and cultures.
The relevance of a more inclusive and diverse view of history is evident in our present-day struggles for justice and equality. The erasure of the contributions and experiences of underrepresented groups in our history perpetuates systemic inequalities and discrimination. We can challenge the dominant narratives that reinforce these injustices by embracing a more nuanced and inclusive view of history. To illustrate this point, we can look to the history of resistance and struggle against oppression. From the enslaved people who rebelled against their captors to the civil rights activists who fought for racial equality, the stories of those who resisted and challenged the status quo have often been overlooked in traditional historical accounts. By amplifying these voices and stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and ongoing struggle for justice.
The 1% is all about the big shots and significant events taught in school: wars, revolutions, inventions, and famous folks who made their mark on the world. And yeah, they're important, no doubt about it. But here's the thing: they're just a tiny slice of the whole pie. See, there's a whole bunch of other people and events that have played a part in our human story. And if we only focus on the 1%, we're missing out on a lot. And that's not good, my friends. It can mess with our understanding of things and make us see things in a way that's not entirely true. Plus, it gives us a one-sided and quite twisted view of history.
If you want to get a real taste of history, you can't just stick to the 1% of it that's been talked about ad nauseam. That's like trying to savor a dish by only chewing on one ingredient. History is a rich tapestry woven with countless threads, each adding flavor to the mix. It's not some linear story with a clear beginning and end but a complex dish with layers of nuance and subtlety. By only focusing on the big names and significant events, we're missing out on the true richness of the past. We must embrace history's complexity if we want to savor all its delicious flavors. The ruling class and the cultural elite have long monopolized the narrative of history. These stories center around the exploits of a select few high-profile individuals who have etched their names into the annals of human civilization. But remember that these extraordinary events and personalities are only part of the picture. Natural history lies in everyday people's collective experiences and contributions, whose voices and stories have often been suppressed and ignored.
From the farmer to the laborer, from the homemaker to the factory worker, ordinary people have always played a critical role in shaping human events. They may not have had the same power and influence as the elites. Still, their collective actions and struggles have sparked revolutions and brought about social change that has forever altered the trajectory of history. Beyond the 1%: That's where the real juicy stuff is, the stuff that'll make your hair stand on end and your mind expand. See, by checking out the experiences of the common folk; we can get a natural grip on what life was like back in the day. We can focus on their daily struggles, hopes, and dreams and what made them tick. We can also suss out how the social, political, and economic systems we got today came to be. We can see how they've changed and where they might be headed. And if we're paying attention, we can spot the patterns and lessons to help us make better choices moving forward.
Do you know what's funny? History books always talk about the big names, the fancy inventors and entrepreneurs, and James Watt and Andrew Carnegie. They'll tell you that their brains made the industrial revolution happen. But that's just a load of bull. The real driving force behind that transformation of society was the millions of grunts working their butts off day after day. Sure, those fat cats made their profits off the backs of those workers. They exploited them and worked them to the bone. They're still with us today, shaping our society and our economy. But without those workers, there wouldn't have been a damn revolution, to begin with. And the consequences of that revolution? Do you want to know the truth? To understand what went down during the industrial revolution, you've got to look at the experiences of ordinary folks. Those folks who never got their names in the history books. Because it was their sweat and their blood that made the world we live in today.
As we draw to a close, let us remember that the chronicles of history are not mere chronicles of the elite's exploits. Though the accounts of the ruling minority may hold significance, they should not be the sole focus of our inquiry. A failure to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people would result in a distorted and narrow-minded view of the past, thereby hampering our comprehension of the present. We must broaden our scope and give voice to those historically marginalized and silenced, for only then can we attain a comprehensive understanding of our shared human story.
THE RUNDOWN
- To understand history more accurately, it is essential to consider diverse perspectives and experiences.
- The focus on the 1% of history, such as wealthy white men and significant events, limits our understanding of historical events and the diverse perspectives of those involved.
- It excludes marginalized groups' and individuals' experiences and contributions, leading to a distorted and incomplete worldview.
- By amplifying the voices and stories of those who resisted and challenged the status quo, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and ongoing struggle for justice.
- The complexity of history is like a rich tapestry woven with countless threads, and we must embrace it if we want to understand all its flavors.
Work Cited:
Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States: 1492-Present. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2015.
Hobsbawm, Eric. The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789-1848. Vintage Books, 1996.
Scott, James C. Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed. Yale University Press, 1999.
STATE OF THE WORLD
HIGHLIGHTS
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We've got some fine classroom lectures coming your way, all courtesy of the RPTM podcast. These lectures will take you on a wild ride through history, exploring everything from ancient civilizations and epic battles to scientific breakthroughs and artistic revolutions. The podcast will guide you through each lecture with its no-nonsense, straight-talking style, using various sources to give you the lowdown on each topic. You won't find any fancy-pants jargon or convoluted theories here, just plain and straightforward explanations anyone can understand. So sit back and prepare to soak up some knowledge.
LECTURES
LECTURES
- COMING SOON
READING
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Bentley, Jerry. Traditions & Encounter Volume 1 from Beginning to 1500, 7th ed.: McGraw Hill, 2021 .
Jerry H. Bentley was a historian and academic who specialized in world history, with a focus on cultural and economic exchange, comparative history, and the study of empires. He was a professor at the University of Hawaii and served as the President of the American Historical Association. Bentley wrote several books on world history and globalization, including "Old World Encounters" and he made significant contributions to the field. He passed away in 2014.
- Bentley, Chapter 7: The Empires of Persia
- Bentley, Chapter 8: The Unification of China
This class utilizes the following textbook:
Bentley, Jerry. Traditions & Encounter Volume 1 from Beginning to 1500, 7th ed.: McGraw Hill, 2021 .
Jerry H. Bentley was a historian and academic who specialized in world history, with a focus on cultural and economic exchange, comparative history, and the study of empires. He was a professor at the University of Hawaii and served as the President of the American Historical Association. Bentley wrote several books on world history and globalization, including "Old World Encounters" and he made significant contributions to the field. He passed away in 2014.
Howard Zinn was a historian, writer, and political activist known for his critical analysis of American history. He is particularly well-known for his counter-narrative to traditional American history accounts and highlights marginalized groups' experiences and perspectives. Zinn's work is often associated with social history and is known for his Marxist and socialist views. Larry Schweikart is also a historian, but his work and perspective are often considered more conservative. Schweikart's work is often associated with military history, and he is known for his support of free-market economics and limited government. Overall, Zinn and Schweikart have different perspectives on various historical issues and events and may interpret historical events and phenomena differently. Occasionally, we will also look at Thaddeus Russell, a historian, author, and academic. Russell has written extensively on the history of social and cultural change, and his work focuses on how marginalized and oppressed groups have challenged and transformed mainstream culture. Russell is known for his unconventional and controversial ideas, and his work has been praised for its originality and provocative nature.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
Zinn, A People's History of the United States
"...At the end of the eighties, at least a third of African-American families fell below the official poverty level, and black unemployment seemed fixed at two and a half times that of whites, with young blacks out of work at the rate of 30 to 40 percent. The life expectancy of blacks remained at least ten years lower than that of whites. In Detroit, Washington, and Baltimore, the mortality rate for black babies was higher than in Jamaica or Costa Rica.
Along with poverty came broken homes, family violence, street crime, drugs. In Washington, D.C., with a concentrated population of black poor within walking distance of the marbled buildings of the national government, 42 percent of young black men between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five were either in jail, or out on probation or parole. The crime rate among blacks, instead of being seen as a crying demand for the elimination of poverty, was used by politicians to call for the building of more prisons..."
"...The fact of that discontent is clear. The surveys since the early seventies show 70 to 80 percent of Americans distrustful of government, business, the military. This means the distrust goes beyond blacks, the poor, the radicals. It has spread among skilled workers, white-collar workers, professionals; for the first time in the nation's history, perhaps, both the lower classes and the middle classes, the prisoners and the guards, were disillusioned with the system.
There are other signs: the high rate of alcoholism, the high rate of divorce (from one of three marriages ending in divorce, the figure was climbing to one of two), of drug use and abuse, of nervous breakdowns and mental illness. Millions of people have been looking desperately for solutions to their sense of impotency, their loneliness, their frustration, their estrangement from other people, from the world, from their work, from themselves. They have been adopting new religions, joining self-help groups of all kinds. It is as if a whole nation were going through a critical point in its middle age, a life crisis of self-doubt, self-examination. All this, at a time when the middle class is increasingly insecure economically. The system, in its irrationality, has been driven by profit to build steel skyscrapers for insurance companies while the cities decay, to spend billions for weapons of destruction and virtually nothing for children's playgrounds, to give huge incomes to men who make dangerous or useless things, and very little to artists, musicians, writers, actors. Capitalism has always been a failure for the lower classes. It is now beginning to fail for the middle classes..."
"...At the end of the eighties, at least a third of African-American families fell below the official poverty level, and black unemployment seemed fixed at two and a half times that of whites, with young blacks out of work at the rate of 30 to 40 percent. The life expectancy of blacks remained at least ten years lower than that of whites. In Detroit, Washington, and Baltimore, the mortality rate for black babies was higher than in Jamaica or Costa Rica.
Along with poverty came broken homes, family violence, street crime, drugs. In Washington, D.C., with a concentrated population of black poor within walking distance of the marbled buildings of the national government, 42 percent of young black men between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five were either in jail, or out on probation or parole. The crime rate among blacks, instead of being seen as a crying demand for the elimination of poverty, was used by politicians to call for the building of more prisons..."
"...The fact of that discontent is clear. The surveys since the early seventies show 70 to 80 percent of Americans distrustful of government, business, the military. This means the distrust goes beyond blacks, the poor, the radicals. It has spread among skilled workers, white-collar workers, professionals; for the first time in the nation's history, perhaps, both the lower classes and the middle classes, the prisoners and the guards, were disillusioned with the system.
There are other signs: the high rate of alcoholism, the high rate of divorce (from one of three marriages ending in divorce, the figure was climbing to one of two), of drug use and abuse, of nervous breakdowns and mental illness. Millions of people have been looking desperately for solutions to their sense of impotency, their loneliness, their frustration, their estrangement from other people, from the world, from their work, from themselves. They have been adopting new religions, joining self-help groups of all kinds. It is as if a whole nation were going through a critical point in its middle age, a life crisis of self-doubt, self-examination. All this, at a time when the middle class is increasingly insecure economically. The system, in its irrationality, has been driven by profit to build steel skyscrapers for insurance companies while the cities decay, to spend billions for weapons of destruction and virtually nothing for children's playgrounds, to give huge incomes to men who make dangerous or useless things, and very little to artists, musicians, writers, actors. Capitalism has always been a failure for the lower classes. It is now beginning to fail for the middle classes..."
Larry Schweikart, A Patriot's History of the United States
"... Enhancing the freedom from responsibility and the associated notion that normal activities such as holding jobs and raising families were somehow meaningless, the new drug culture spread through the underculture like wildfire. Timothy Leary’s famous call to tune in, turn on, and drop out reached innocent ears like a siren song, and many youth, already convinced their parents had lied to them about rock and roll, sex, and Vietnam, listened attentively. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) was the subject of extensive tests by the CIA in the 1950s. One CIA researcher recalled the lab staff using it themselves, saying, 'There was an extensive amount of self-experimentation…[because] we felt that a firsthand knowledge of the subjective effects of these drugs [was] important.' LSD spread throughout the subculture and by the 1960s, dropping acid was equated with a religious experience by Beat poet Allen Ginsburg.
Increasingly, intellectuals in the 1960s advocated chemical use purely for pleasure and mind expansion. And not just LSD, but mescaline, heroin, amphetamines, Ditran, and other mysterious substances, all, of course, undergirded by the all-purpose and ubiquitous marijuana. Writer Ken Kesey credited his LSD trip for his insight in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; leaders of the Berkeley Free Speech movement saw drugs as a natural element in their attack on conformity; and indeed drug use was, in their view, 'an important political catalyst…[that enabled] questioning of the official mythology of the governing class.' Or, as a veteran of the Free Speech movement bragged, 'When a young person took his first puff of psychoactive smoke,…[he] became a youth criminal against the State.' It was all so much empty rhetoric, but when draped in the language of academia, it took on a certain respectability..."
"... Enhancing the freedom from responsibility and the associated notion that normal activities such as holding jobs and raising families were somehow meaningless, the new drug culture spread through the underculture like wildfire. Timothy Leary’s famous call to tune in, turn on, and drop out reached innocent ears like a siren song, and many youth, already convinced their parents had lied to them about rock and roll, sex, and Vietnam, listened attentively. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) was the subject of extensive tests by the CIA in the 1950s. One CIA researcher recalled the lab staff using it themselves, saying, 'There was an extensive amount of self-experimentation…[because] we felt that a firsthand knowledge of the subjective effects of these drugs [was] important.' LSD spread throughout the subculture and by the 1960s, dropping acid was equated with a religious experience by Beat poet Allen Ginsburg.
Increasingly, intellectuals in the 1960s advocated chemical use purely for pleasure and mind expansion. And not just LSD, but mescaline, heroin, amphetamines, Ditran, and other mysterious substances, all, of course, undergirded by the all-purpose and ubiquitous marijuana. Writer Ken Kesey credited his LSD trip for his insight in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; leaders of the Berkeley Free Speech movement saw drugs as a natural element in their attack on conformity; and indeed drug use was, in their view, 'an important political catalyst…[that enabled] questioning of the official mythology of the governing class.' Or, as a veteran of the Free Speech movement bragged, 'When a young person took his first puff of psychoactive smoke,…[he] became a youth criminal against the State.' It was all so much empty rhetoric, but when draped in the language of academia, it took on a certain respectability..."
Thaddeus Russell, A Renegade History of the United States
"..The other unintended and ironic consequence of [World War II] had to do with production for the military. In early 1942, Japan cut off supplies to the U.S. of coarse fibers from Asia, which were vital in the making of several war materials. In response to this, the federal government encouraged American farmers to grow hemp, also known as marijuana, which could be used as a coarse fiber in defense production. Marijuana had been effectively outlawed in 1937, but during the war all American farmers were required to attend showings of the USDA film Hemp for Victory, sign that they had seen the film, and read a hemp cultivation booklet. Hemp harvesting machinery was made available at low or no cost. Farmers who agreed to grow hemp were waived from serving in the military, along with their sons. During the war, 350,000 acres of marijuana were cultivated for the war effort, and the seeds for the pot culture of postwar America were literally planted..."
"..The other unintended and ironic consequence of [World War II] had to do with production for the military. In early 1942, Japan cut off supplies to the U.S. of coarse fibers from Asia, which were vital in the making of several war materials. In response to this, the federal government encouraged American farmers to grow hemp, also known as marijuana, which could be used as a coarse fiber in defense production. Marijuana had been effectively outlawed in 1937, but during the war all American farmers were required to attend showings of the USDA film Hemp for Victory, sign that they had seen the film, and read a hemp cultivation booklet. Hemp harvesting machinery was made available at low or no cost. Farmers who agreed to grow hemp were waived from serving in the military, along with their sons. During the war, 350,000 acres of marijuana were cultivated for the war effort, and the seeds for the pot culture of postwar America were literally planted..."
What Does Professor Lancaster Think?
And so it goes, the United States has danced a peculiar tango with drugs throughout the ages. During World War II, the government, in desperation, begged farmers to grow hemp as a substitute for coarse fibers that were in short supply due to Japan's cut-off of Asian supplies. This led to the production of 350,000 acres of marijuana for the war effort and contributed to the drug culture's spread in America in the 1960s. This culture saw the use of drugs such as LSD, mescaline, heroin, and amphetamines for pleasure and mind expansion, and many young people embraced it. Some intellectuals of the time encouraged drug use to challenge conformity and mainstream society, but the state ultimately viewed drug use as criminal behavior. The absurdity of it all is the government encouraging drug use one moment and criminalizing it the next. It's a scene straight out of a Vonnegut novel, where the absurdity of humanity is on full display.
In the 80s, the black community was getting the short end of the stick. They were living in poverty, struggling to find work, and dying younger than their white counterparts. It was a rough scene, man. Broken homes, street violence, and drugs were tearing the community apart. The young black men were getting caught up in the criminal justice system left and right. And let me tell you, there was no love lost between the people and the powers that be. The government, big business, and the military had their hands in the pot, and it was a bitter pill to swallow. The discontent was boiling over and manifesting in all sorts of ways. Alcoholism, divorce, drug use, abuse, and mental illness rose. It was a dark time, my friends. A dark time.
The war on drugs has been a total failure. Governments have been trying to control recreational drug use for decades with laws and enforcement, but it's clear that these efforts have been nothing but a waste of time and resources. The demand for recreational drugs is through the roof, and people are willing to pay top dollar for them, creating a black market for drug trafficking that is nearly impossible for governments to control. And let's not even get started on the futility of law enforcement trying to take down the powerful and well-connected individuals and groups involved in producing, distributing, and selling illegal drugs. It's a never-ending cycle of futility and failure, and it's time we start thinking about alternative approaches to addressing the issue of drug use.
Drug use can have adverse health and social consequences, such as addiction, overdose, and crime. These issues can be challenging and often require resources and support beyond law enforcement. Some argue that a more practical approach to reducing the negative consequences of drug use would be to legalize and regulate drugs rather than trying to prohibit them. This approach has been successful in some countries, such as Portugal, which has decreased drug-related deaths and HIV infections since decriminalizing drug use in 2001.
I'm not an expert on the matter, but I know that drugs can cause a whole host of problems. Addiction, overdose, crime, you name it. And let me tell you, these issues aren't easy to solve. It takes more than just the cops busting heads to make a dent. Now, some folks out there might have a different idea of how to tackle this problem. They might have a point. They argue that instead of trying to outlaw drugs, we should legalize and regulate them. And you know what? Take Portugal, for example, they decriminalized drug use back in 2001, and you know what happened? Drug-related deaths and HIV infections went down.
In conclusion, the history of drugs in the United States is complex and multifaceted, involving government policies, societal attitudes, and economic factors. It is essential to recognize that the current approach to drug control has not been effective in addressing the negative consequences of drug use and that alternative methods, such as legalization and regulation, should be considered.
In conclusion, the history of drugs in the United States reflects the larger societal and economic forces at play. The government's policies and societal attitudes towards drugs have been shaped by the needs of powerful interests, often at the expense of marginalized communities. The current approach of criminalization and prohibition has failed to address the negative consequences of drug use and has only served to entrench inequality and injustice further. We must acknowledge that alternative approaches, such as legalization and regulation, have the potential to address these issues in a more effective and just manner. It is time for a fundamental shift in our approach to drugs, one that prioritizes the well-being of all people over the interests of the powerful few.
THE RUNDOWN
QUESTIONS
And so it goes, the United States has danced a peculiar tango with drugs throughout the ages. During World War II, the government, in desperation, begged farmers to grow hemp as a substitute for coarse fibers that were in short supply due to Japan's cut-off of Asian supplies. This led to the production of 350,000 acres of marijuana for the war effort and contributed to the drug culture's spread in America in the 1960s. This culture saw the use of drugs such as LSD, mescaline, heroin, and amphetamines for pleasure and mind expansion, and many young people embraced it. Some intellectuals of the time encouraged drug use to challenge conformity and mainstream society, but the state ultimately viewed drug use as criminal behavior. The absurdity of it all is the government encouraging drug use one moment and criminalizing it the next. It's a scene straight out of a Vonnegut novel, where the absurdity of humanity is on full display.
In the 80s, the black community was getting the short end of the stick. They were living in poverty, struggling to find work, and dying younger than their white counterparts. It was a rough scene, man. Broken homes, street violence, and drugs were tearing the community apart. The young black men were getting caught up in the criminal justice system left and right. And let me tell you, there was no love lost between the people and the powers that be. The government, big business, and the military had their hands in the pot, and it was a bitter pill to swallow. The discontent was boiling over and manifesting in all sorts of ways. Alcoholism, divorce, drug use, abuse, and mental illness rose. It was a dark time, my friends. A dark time.
The war on drugs has been a total failure. Governments have been trying to control recreational drug use for decades with laws and enforcement, but it's clear that these efforts have been nothing but a waste of time and resources. The demand for recreational drugs is through the roof, and people are willing to pay top dollar for them, creating a black market for drug trafficking that is nearly impossible for governments to control. And let's not even get started on the futility of law enforcement trying to take down the powerful and well-connected individuals and groups involved in producing, distributing, and selling illegal drugs. It's a never-ending cycle of futility and failure, and it's time we start thinking about alternative approaches to addressing the issue of drug use.
Drug use can have adverse health and social consequences, such as addiction, overdose, and crime. These issues can be challenging and often require resources and support beyond law enforcement. Some argue that a more practical approach to reducing the negative consequences of drug use would be to legalize and regulate drugs rather than trying to prohibit them. This approach has been successful in some countries, such as Portugal, which has decreased drug-related deaths and HIV infections since decriminalizing drug use in 2001.
I'm not an expert on the matter, but I know that drugs can cause a whole host of problems. Addiction, overdose, crime, you name it. And let me tell you, these issues aren't easy to solve. It takes more than just the cops busting heads to make a dent. Now, some folks out there might have a different idea of how to tackle this problem. They might have a point. They argue that instead of trying to outlaw drugs, we should legalize and regulate them. And you know what? Take Portugal, for example, they decriminalized drug use back in 2001, and you know what happened? Drug-related deaths and HIV infections went down.
In conclusion, the history of drugs in the United States is complex and multifaceted, involving government policies, societal attitudes, and economic factors. It is essential to recognize that the current approach to drug control has not been effective in addressing the negative consequences of drug use and that alternative methods, such as legalization and regulation, should be considered.
In conclusion, the history of drugs in the United States reflects the larger societal and economic forces at play. The government's policies and societal attitudes towards drugs have been shaped by the needs of powerful interests, often at the expense of marginalized communities. The current approach of criminalization and prohibition has failed to address the negative consequences of drug use and has only served to entrench inequality and injustice further. We must acknowledge that alternative approaches, such as legalization and regulation, have the potential to address these issues in a more effective and just manner. It is time for a fundamental shift in our approach to drugs, one that prioritizes the well-being of all people over the interests of the powerful few.
THE RUNDOWN
- The United States has a complex history with drugs, with the government encouraging hemp production during World War II and criminalizing drug use in the 1960s.
- The war on drugs has been a failure, with governments unable to control the black market for drug trafficking.
- Adverse health and social consequences of drug use include addiction, overdose, and crime.
- Alternative approaches to reducing the negative consequences of drug use, such as legalization and regulation, have been successful in some countries.
- The current approach to drug control has not been effective in addressing the negative consequences of drug use.
- The history of drugs in the United States reflects larger societal and economic forces, shaped by the interests of powerful interests at the expense of marginalized communities.
- It is time for a shift in our approach to drugs that prioritizes the well-being of all people over the interests of the powerful few.
QUESTIONS
- What is your opinion on the effectiveness of the war on drugs?
- What alternative methods, such as legalization and regulation, can be considered to address the negative consequences of drug use?
- What factors influence the government's policies and societal attitudes towards drugs?
Depictions of opium poppies occur frequently in carving and sculpture across ancient cultures, such as on this Greek funerary stele.
KEY TERMS
- Opium in ancient Near East and Mediterranean
- Cannabis in ancient China
- Peyote in Mesoamerica
- Datura in South America
- Hallucinogenic Mushrooms in Central America
- Soma in Indo-Iranian civilizations
- Alcohol in the Near East and Mediterranean region
- Ayahuasca in South America
- Tobacco in the Americas
- Salvia divinorum in Central America
- Opium in the Far East
- Kratom in Southeast Asia
- Yopo in South America
- Scopolamine in South America
- Psilocybinin Central and South America
- Ephedra in Central Asia
- Amanita muscaria in Europe and Asia
- Peganum harmala in the Near East
- Sinicuichi in Central and South America
- Iboga in Central and West Africa
DISCLAIMER: Welcome scholars to the wild and wacky world of history class. This isn't your granddaddy's boring ol' lecture, baby. We will take a trip through time, which will be one wild ride. I know some of you are in a brick-and-mortar setting, while others are in the vast digital wasteland. But fear not; we're all in this together. Online students might miss out on some in-person interaction, but you can still join in on the fun. This little shindig aims to get you all engaged with the course material and understand how past societies have shaped the world we know today. We'll talk about revolutions, wars, and other crazy stuff. So get ready, kids, because it's going to be one heck of a trip. And for all, you online students out there, don't be shy. Please share your thoughts and ideas with the rest of us. The Professor will do his best to give everyone an equal opportunity to learn, so don't hold back. So, let's do this thing!
ACTIVITY: "Ancient Drug Use Group Discussion"
Instructions:
Encourage a group discussion, asking questions such as:
After the discussion, have each student write a reflection on the topic, exploring what they learned about ancient drug use and its impact on society.
ACTIVITY: "The Ancient World and Drugs: A Debate"
Instructions:
Ask students to consider the following questions:
SUMMARY
ACTIVITY: "Ancient Drug Use Group Discussion"
Instructions:
- Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students.
- Give each group a handout with a list of ancient drugs and their uses, and ask them to research the topic by reading two or three texts or sources about ancient drug use.
- After 30 minutes, bring the class together and have each group present their findings on the board. Each group should present on one ancient drug, including its origins, uses, and impact on society.
Encourage a group discussion, asking questions such as:
- How did ancient cultures view drug use?
- What was the role of drugs in medicine, religion, and recreation in the ancient world?
- How did drugs shape social relationships and cultural practices in ancient civilizations?
- Were there any negative consequences of drug use in ancient societies?
- What can we learn from the ancient world's relationship with drugs?
After the discussion, have each student write a reflection on the topic, exploring what they learned about ancient drug use and its impact on society.
ACTIVITY: "The Ancient World and Drugs: A Debate"
Instructions:
- Divide the class into two groups, one representing the "pro-drug use" perspective and one representing the "anti-drug use" perspective.
- Provide each group with a list of drugs commonly used in the ancient world, such as wine, opium, and hemp.
- Have each group research the benefits and drawbacks of each drug and develop arguments for their perspective.
- On the whiteboard or chalkboard, create a two-column chart labeled "pros" and "cons".
- Have each group present their arguments, adding to the chart as they do so. Encourage students to challenge each other's arguments in a respectful and constructive manner.
- After all arguments have been presented, engage the class in a discussion about the benefits and drawbacks of drug use in the ancient world.
Ask students to consider the following questions:
- What role did drugs play in shaping ancient society?
- How did ancient cultures view drug use?
- How did drugs influence the economy, politics, and religion of ancient societies?
- What can we learn from the ancient world's experience with drugs that can be applied to contemporary drug policy debates?
- Conclude the activity by having students reflect on the complexity of the drug use issue and the importance of considering all perspectives when developing drug policies.
SUMMARY
- Recreational drug use has a long history, dating back thousands of years
- Ancient civilizations, such as Greece and China, widely used drugs for various purposes (social, medical, religious)
- Widespread drug use led to negative effects like addiction and social decay
- Focusing only on positive aspects of history risks distorting the truth and limiting understanding
- A more inclusive approach, such as "from the gutter up" lens, is necessary to have a complete understanding of the past
- Informed decisions for present and future can be made with a more comprehensive view of history.
ASSIGNMENTS
Remember all assignments, tests and quizzes must be submitted official via BLACKBOARD
Forum Discussion #5
Dave Farina has a background in chemistry and science education, and he has been using his YouTube channel, Professor Dave Explains, to share scientific knowledge with viewers since 2015. His channel features nearly a thousand educational videos on a wide range of scientific topics, designed to help high school and undergraduate students and also to engage and inform anyone interested in learning about science. In addition to helping students achieve their academic and career goals, Dave is dedicated to promoting science literacy and combating anti-science sentiment and pseudoscience. Watch this video and answer the following question:
- Forum Discussion #5
Remember all assignments, tests and quizzes must be submitted official via BLACKBOARD
Forum Discussion #5
Dave Farina has a background in chemistry and science education, and he has been using his YouTube channel, Professor Dave Explains, to share scientific knowledge with viewers since 2015. His channel features nearly a thousand educational videos on a wide range of scientific topics, designed to help high school and undergraduate students and also to engage and inform anyone interested in learning about science. In addition to helping students achieve their academic and career goals, Dave is dedicated to promoting science literacy and combating anti-science sentiment and pseudoscience. Watch this video and answer the following question:
What is the history of recreational drug use in the ancient world, and how does it compare to modern recreational drug use? How were drugs used in ancient civilizations for recreational purposes, and what were some of the associated risks and negative consequences? What can we learn from the history of recreational drug use in the ancient world about the use of drugs in modern society?
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
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