Blog Post #2

Over the summer, I began reading a book called Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen. The premise of the book is that the author collected about eighteen different American history textbooks and analyzed each one for historical accuracy. He went through each book and began to take note of the differences and similarities of each and compiled them. He then began debunking common American history myths and misconceptions. For example, there is an entire chapter on Christopher Columbus. Rather than present him as this hero-like figure that discovered the new world, Loewen portrays him as a man who conquered lands and killed a considerable number of Native Americans. He goes through crucial points in American history that textbook companies usually put a positive spin on and debunks in the best way that he possibly can.

            Also in this book, Loewen discusses some of the reasons and ways that textbook companies select the information that they are going to include. Some do it to promote a particular feeling, usually one of national pride. For example, some of conquests taken by the United States are portrayed favorably even if many people were killed or if it was unsuccessful. Even if it is a rather bleak event in American History, writers, publishers, and editors attempt to portray a positive version of the United States to its citizens as well as to other countries.

            Another factor that must be considered when thinking about how textbook companies choose which information to include, is the idea of creating a cohesive, streamlined, version of history. At times, officials of textbook companies choose to create a more condensed, streamline narrative to make it easier for the general public to remember. It takes away parts that complicate the narrative or get it off track. In order to keep the history simple, some parts have to be left out.

            This reminds me of the master narrative discussed in the first few classes of Civil Rights in Memphis. The master narrative of the Civil Rights movement makes it appear as though there are only one to two major leaders and causes. It streamlines the movement to the point that it is simplistic and unrealistic. It takes out of consideration the complexities, inner workings and disagreements between sections of the movement. It simplifies the movement to the point that it is no longer effectively taught in some schools. Children and adults do not understand how intricate and expansive the Civil Rights movement was and is because of this master narrative.