Basics In American Schools Essay Example
Basics In American Schools Essay Example

Basics In American Schools Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (626 words)
  • Published: March 20, 2019
  • Type: Essay
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The basic outline for American schools consists of three subjects: reading, writing, and arithmetic.

In certain subjects, the role of history is often questioned. Some argue that history is often avoided by teachers due to the corrupt nature of America's past. According to James W. Loewen, author of Lies My Teacher Told Me, parents may feel challenged when children gain access to information that adults do not have and use it in ways that question established values (Loewen 296). The same false history that children are being taught today was once learned by the adults themselves. By teaching children the truth about history, are adults jeopardizing their authority and the values they hold? "Learning social studies is, in a significant way, learning to be ignorant" (LMTTM 298). What are the consequences when history teachers and textbooks decei

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ve? Not only will future generations grow up without proper education, but they will also pass on the same falsehoods to their own children. As per Loewen, the most common excuse used by teachers is that they "feel obligated to defend and support America" (LMTTM 289). If teachers were to inform students about the racism of Woodrow Wilson, Columbus's enslavement of Indigenous people, or how the FBI worked against the civil rights movement, children would gain a clearer understanding of how the world truly operates. Is this necessarily negative? No, because the truth always surpasses falsehoods, regardless of how ugly it might be.

It is crucial for children to gain knowledge of our nation's true history in order to become well-rounded Americans. As stated by Maya Angelou in her book "Letter to My Daughter", "History cannot be unlived, and if faced

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with courage, need not be lived again." (LMTTM 137.) Studying our past allows students to learn from past mistakes. During my eighth grade year, I dedicated a significant amount of time to the study of the Holocaust. This topic was covered not only in my history class but also in my English class. Additionally, I had the privilege of personally meeting two survivors from Auschwitz, a Nazi concentration camp.

The teachers stressed the importance of devoting a substantial amount of time to studying the Holocaust in order to prevent its reoccurrence. They strongly believed that by highlighting the injustice and immorality of the Holocaust, we would be discouraged from letting it happen again. This is why it is essential to consistently educate American students about the historical realities. If children are not exposed to the atrocities that make up a significant part of America's past, they may continue perpetuating those same atrocities. Furthermore, dishonesty surrounding America's history is worsened by underlying hypocrisy.

"On one hand, the text depicts a country without repression or conflict. On the other hand, it acknowledges the belief in the necessity of deceiving students to nurture patriotism. However, if the country is indeed exceptional, why resort to deception?" (Loewen 296.) The mere fact that educators and textbooks resort to falsehoods exposes the deep-rooted corruption within America. The concern over losing authoritative power becomes alarming when such authority negatively influences the future leaders of America. Regarding values, it is concerning to include teaching lies to the young minds of America. When it comes to fretting over the loss of values and authority held by adults, they selfishly prioritize misguided concerns.

Regardless of the subject –

whether it's math, English, literature, or history – it is crucial that lies are never incorporated into the lesson plan. Honesty from teachers and parents is vital to prevent a repetition of history. If false information about American history persists in educational curriculum, the truth will ultimately be obscured. Despite its flaws and corruption, America's history remains significant.

Why have a history class if the real history is not being taught?

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