America has many great moments fraught with many historical misses.  In other words, for every great feat in American history, there are equal moments of trouble and shame in her behavior.  The failure of America is often human failures, tragic moments where our government failed to act or stand up (i.e., Hurricane Katrina).  Or, it could be duplicitous in egregious behaviors (i.e., Dred Scott Decision, Plessy vs. Ferguson, chattel slavery).  But, historical textbooks do not traditionally frame this dual narrative.  Instead, students tend to get the laudable narrative of bravery, prowess, ingenuity, and individualism.  Or, textbooks gloss over deeply problematic issues that actually resurface in contemporary society today.  But, works of art can always provide the pointed narrative that textbooks attempt to dismiss.  Dissenters have a place in the canon as well, and it is vital for educators to bring them in the fold in teaching American history and literature.

This unit is for teachers!  These works have been curated for their social protest against American bureaucracy, especially in its moments of failure.  It is important for teachers to fully read and study text BEFORE sharing with students.  Please check the "temperature" of your audience!