On Both Sides of the Pond: The Fear of Presenting History in Fact

Overview

I recently returned to the US from an educational tour of Portugal, yet I need to write my memoire of this trip from the perspective of an academic and researcher who was shocked by a profound disregard for including one of the most important events of the history of this world, by the four guides from whom we learned much about the culture, history, and great voyages of Portugal. This country is geographically located in the Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost of Europe, it is also southern; thus, borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. It is also world renown, partially for its soccer greats, such as its number 7 player, Renaldo. While on this tour, I traveled from Porto in the north, to Evora, the beautiful Algarve region, and finally to Lisbon. One of our tours along the ride to Cascais, took us along the coast past the home of Renaldo and other soccer greats, I was excited because I too am a soccer fanatic. I learned so much about this country from four different tour guides. The capital of Portugal is Lisbon or Lisboa (as commonly referred to by the Portuguese people.)

This country is about 107 times smaller than the United States; it is about the size of the state of Maine. Portugal, while a beautiful country, has a sordid past. Yet, it prides itself on being a democracy, a republic. It was in Porto that I discovered that Port wines did not originate in Portugal, as many have believed, but in Europe. Palácio da Bolsa is the UNESCO historic home of the mix of high societies and of Port Wine trading, or stock exchange; a mix of economic and political activities to promote the trading of port.

Visiting this site as well as a tour of the port winery and tasting was one of the highlights of my trip.

The beautiful Algarve Region has so much natural landforms. I was excited to visit this area because the US Women National Soccer Team won about 9 matches here. Standing here pointing to wherever. I imagined the voyagers trying to get to the east while traveling west. It’s no wonder they thought the world ended here. There seems to be nothing, but a vast body of water; the horizon doesn’t seem to exist…Wow!

Portugal was conquered by several countries and settlers such as the Celtics and yet, it too conquered several nations. It has been involved in many wars, most notably the war between Portugal and Spain to ensure they could divide and conquer the New World—lands that Christopher Columbus and other voyagers “happened upon” during their various voyages and discoveries to find spices and other mercantile from China and India. While learning about the war between Portugal and Spain, I was reminded about the current unjustified war between Russia and Ukraine. It is all about conquering for land grab. Nothing has changed since the 15^th Century. By the way, everywhere you travel in Portugal, there are Ukrainian flags in support of this country, currently being bombarded by Russia. This brutal war between Portugal and Spain ended on June 7, 1494, via the Treaty of Tordesillas commissioned by Pope Alexander VI. This Treaty divided the South American Continent giving Brazil to Portugal and the remainder of South America to Spain.

While visiting the Monument to the Discoveries, a place to commemorate all the voyages and discoveries of Portugal, our fourth guide (pictured here) discussed the various voyages and discoveries made by Portugal—as shown in the picture of the Monument, led by their king, Portugal went east, north, and south to discover and conquer countries known and unknown, until they were found during their discoveries. Luckily for Australia, it was not one of those conquered and exploited initially. Finally in Lisbon, (it was the sixth day of the tour) by this time, I had it with all the churches and palaces we visited and with the rosier pictures painted by all the tour guides. As fascinating as these sites and information were, there were important, critical information missing from these discussions. On this tour we had four different tour guides who prided themselves on discussing and highlighting the many positive vibes of Portugal and of its rich culture, history, and conquering voyages. However, I began to realize that while all of this was valuable, a very important and critical historical piece of the story was left out by all these guides, and I could not help but wonder why.

It is the Juneteenth weekend, and our country is celebrating the holiday with memories of the sordid past of this country, while hoping for a brighter future. However, politically, socially, and economically, African Americans and other minorities of African descent are still being asked to be quiet about the present and the past. More recently, the culture wars are becoming more profound, from K-12 to higher education, we are asked to not teach the facts about slavery, lest it makes some kids feel badly. Moreover, Critical Race Theory has become a political football for several who do not want history taught in fact. While on this tour, I noted this is not different in Europe, they simply have a more subtle way of hiding the historical facts. Just do not talk about it; act as if it never happened!

The Discussion

During our visit to the Monument of Discoveries, while the last guide was talking about the voyages and conquest etc., my hearty began racing and I could no longer remain quiet. I knew I had to act; I had to ask the question, why? During the snack break, I thought, this is my opportunity to ask the question why and I leapt into action. I said to her, “I have a question for you!” She acknowledged me and asked quizzically, “what is the question?” I replied, “well, you are the fourth guide we have had and while I appreciate all the great things being highlighted here. I noticed none of you have mentioned the fact that Portugal and Spain were two countries involved in beginning and promoting the slavery and the Slave Trade”, (one of the biggest social and economic atrocities in the history of the world.) I continued, “why is this fact not mentioned in any of your discussions; yet it parallels the history of your discoveries and to the history of Portugal.” To my dismay she answered my questions with eyes blared and widened…. “I know my history, and I can discuss this, if I want to but I do not want to.” I asked, “why is that…. I also know my history” I quipped. “Well, she said, only in America that slavery is associated with Black people, that is why we don’t talk about it!” “And don’t forget”, she continued, “that it was the same tribes in Africa, the more powerful ones that sold their people to the slavery.” The shock on my face was obvious, I said to her, “that is true, but it doesn’t make it right that you are a tour guide offering facts about this country and its history, but you all choose to avoid talking about slavery and the slave trade!” She retorted, “well slavery has been around for a long time, the Indians (people from India) were salves, the Chinese were slaves, so it does not matter!”

As I embarked the tour bus my mind was racing. What was it I just heard, I wondered if others heard the discussion? Another of our travelers came over and said, “my whisper was on; so, I heard the discussion…I can’t believe you asked that and her response, oh wow!” During the summer months, many, many schools take middle and high students on these educational tours and college students pursue study abroad programs, where they integrate these educational tours, learning about the histories and cultures of these countries. So, the story goes on…Where do our children go for answers? Not here, not across the Pond. It was my hope that while they may not hear it in school or college in the US, they may learn the origins of slavery and the Slave Trade on these trips abroad; hence, my disappointment when I realized, they will not. I am writing this story to encourage those who wonder and wander, especially those of us privileged to be professors and to travel and write, that we do not become lost, jaded, or discouraged or worse yet, become engrossed in the rosier picture painted by these tour guides. Yet, this is now my fear! Where are we going if this history is silenced? We must use our talents and ask why; ask the critical questions and demand the answers we need, because we must continue to ascertain that history is not hidden…..