What Exactly Should Textbooks Be Mandated?

America is commonly characterized as the greatest country in the world, the glorious “land of the free and the home of the brave”, “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. This idealization of the American identity conveniently focuses on what people want to hear and blurs out most everything else. In reality, Americans do not live up to the dreamscape created by our views, and we never really have. America is no longer characterized by its freedom and democracy, nearly every first world country can afford that luxury. Nor are we set apart by the great opportunities given to our people, for those are far from universal. We aren’t equal, we aren’t unified, we aren’t kinder or smarter or richer than any other country across the board. It’s easy to find the shortcomings of American culture, all the things we aren’t, but the things we are have proven to be more elusive. First, let’s examine the nots.

One of the things the United States is known for best is its rampant patriotism. Whether its 1930 or the present day, one thing remains the same Americans love their country. During special periods of time however, events happen that make Americas already fiery patriotism burn brighter. Many years ago during the period of time known as the “Red Scare” the United States mistrust of all things communist and anarchist led to very nationalistic feelings among the populace. After the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks the country the country was left shaken. The fear of terrorist made the American rally behind their military and country even more than before.

Nationalism also had a part. Much like racism, Americans felt their country was superior to all other countries. Maybe not in power or economy, but in morals. Americans had a very strong sense of pride in their country. They had defeated the British, one of the biggest world powers, to gain their independence, and they also proved to the world that they could thrive and live on. That gave them a very arrogant attitude, especially towards any type of action made by the Europeans. It directed their conduct to seem superior to all others.

If more Americans had this view point, we could be a stronger nation and maybe put the past behind

Should dissent be equated with lack of patriotism? That’s a tough question and in most cases I would say no it is not. The beauty of America is that we have the right of freedom of choice and freedom of speech. As individuals we all vary in opinions and beliefs, not everyone is going to agree with what is happening in our country or around the world. Lack of patriotism to me is the lack of respect that comes from the dissent, such as the burning of the American flag or disrespect to veterans that have served in our armed

James W. Loewen wrote the book “Lies My Teacher Told Me” to help students understand the past of the United States, and how it is effecting the present time. “Lies My Teacher Told Me” looks at 12 different American history textbooks, and points out the different lies, flaws, and sugar coated stories the textbooks present. Lowen explains how textbooks practice heroification, and how race and race relations are a major issue when it comes to American history. Among these topics, Lowen also sheds light on the truth about social classes in America, and how textbooks lie about the past and try to avoid the recent past all together.

First of all, the export of American culture has had a negative effect on others due to the misrepresentation of other societies and cultures. One example is with Japan in World War II, (Source 2). After American propaganda in popular culture like movies and other medias, many

Why should high schoolers be forced to read a book that isn’t interesting to them? Often times they either do not apply to real life situations or even teach anything that a teenager would understand. So, the high schooler skims through the book and does not pay attention to any detail. High school classrooms need better books that can teach history in a fun way, and add some interesting things to which students can reflect and think on. A book read in high school, should allow the students to think critically about the text they are reading, should include some references to history, and incorporate themes that are understandable and relatable to a high school student’s life. This makes a book want to be read as well as enjoyable. The

As stated in the subtitle, Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen is about what American history textbooks get wrong. As a rule people assume when reading textbooks they are getting raw facts, but that is not the case. Lies My Teacher Told Me really enlightens readers about how corrupt and biased textbook authors truly are. Loewen’s thesis is that textbook authors sugar coat and white wash history while trying to make America and it’s leaders look perfect on their pedestals. Loewen said “Textbooks have trouble acknowledging that anything might be wrong with white Americans or with the United States as a whole”(p.142). Throughout the book he defends this with many viable examples. Most students are told many romanticized myths about the “first

In James Loewen’s book, Lies My Teacher Told Me, he talks about misconceptions in America school textbooks. Are these actually misconceptions though? What is the author saying about American history when details or whole event are untold? Lowen delves into these deep topics head on and gives examples as he goes. This book is not only intended for those who have read an American history book, but for those who have never heard the truth. Lowen wrote this book in order to uncover and educate; furthermore, this is important because events never told are now brought to light. Using detailed information concerning racism, governmental over watch, and the Vietnam War the author argues that the American history textbook has covered up things in

Americans’ belief that they were inherently superior to everyone else causes them to act as zealots when exposed to different cultures and religions. One can see Americans being fanatical

The novel “Lies my teacher told me everything your american history textbook got wrong” By James w. Loewe, is basically what the title states. Certain things about history that we know we learn from our textbooks that our school provides us. Im not saying that what the school is giving us is wrong. But, the textbook itself is not providing the full information. So, as i read this novel i learned certain things that i did not know before. Like if Columbus Day should actually be celebrated or not. Or more importantly the day we have an incredible feast; thanksgiving what is that really about?. After reading this book things started to get

Americans have an epidemic in which we become familiar and numb to the blessings we call ours. We as Americans have a tendency to adjust our ways of thinking and become neutral to a situation when we feel comfortable and safe. Although this can be beneficial in some ways, it is dangerous for American citizens to become lukewarm. Our military men and women risk their lives every day to secure our freedoms, land, and lives. We here at home can search back through our history and study what brought this great nation forth and use that knowledge to ensure our freedoms inside of our country.

Americans have a great love for their country. They fought and they bled to call it their home. American soil represents so much more to people than just a home. Americans see it as freedom, and liberty and their happiness. However, pride for your country can result in borderline racism and categorizing; which is offensive.

Many schools have extracurricular activities offered at their schools. My school offers many extracurricular activities like track, soccer, basketball, and cross country. My principal has recently made the decision that all students have to be in a extracurricular activity. I disagree that it should not be mandatory for all students to be in a in school activity. The school has many reasons why they should not make it mandatory to do a in school extracurricular activity.