Breakdown:

1. Introduction: Unpacking the Bias in Western Civilization Studies
   • Introduce the idea that traditional Western civilization narratives are steeped in a form of racism that distorts historical truth.
   • Explain how these narratives often glorify European achievements while minimizing or erasing the contributions of non-European civilizations.
2. Origins of Western Civilization: The True Founders
   • Discuss how Western civilization’s roots actually trace back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, regions founded by people of color.
   • Critique how Western historians have appropriated these origins, presenting them as European achievements, thereby divorcing the civilization from its true creators.
3. The Structure of History Courses: A Reflection of Bias
   • Analyze the typical structure of Western civilization courses, which often dedicate only the first weeks to Mesopotamia and Egypt before shifting focus entirely to Greece, Rome, and later European history.
   • Highlight the disproportionate attention given to European periods compared to the foundational civilizations of the Middle East and Africa.
4. Medieval Period Misconceptions: The ‘Dark Ages’ Myth
   • Challenge the notion of the “Dark Ages” as a uniquely European phenomenon, pointing out that during this time, the Middle East was thriving with advancements in science, medicine, and infrastructure.
   • Explain how the renaming of the Middle East as the “Middle East” instead of recognizing it as part of the West further distances it from its central role in the development of Western civilization.
5. Technological and Cultural Achievements of the Middle East
   • Detail the advancements in the Middle East during the medieval period, such as indoor plumbing, street lighting, and high life expectancy, contrasting them with the conditions in Europe.
   • Emphasize how these achievements are often ignored or minimized in Western-centric narratives.
6. The Racist Implications: Why This Narrative Persists
   • Discuss why this biased narrative persists, suggesting that it serves to uphold a Eurocentric worldview that places white Europeans at the center of global progress.
   • Examine how this narrative impacts current perceptions of non-European civilizations and their contributions to history.
7. Conclusion: Reclaiming the True History of Western Civilization
   • Summarize the key points, reiterating the importance of acknowledging the true, diverse origins of Western civilization.
   • Call for a reevaluation of how history is taught, urging educators and scholars to present a more accurate and inclusive account of civilization’s development.
   • Encourage readers to critically examine the histories they are taught and to seek out the full story, not just the Eurocentric version.