Lies My Teacher Told Me

Although my professional interest is language and how to use it well, one of my hobbies is reading about history. 

Most of the history we learn in school consists of short snapshots about ‘important people’ and main events, but this misses so much of the story and is often misleading. This book shows that many of the ‘truths’ and ‘facts’ about American history that are taught in school are largely myths.

For example, Woodrow Wilson is usually portrayed as a hero who attempted to establish the League of Nations. While this is true, he also established racial segregation in the… show more.

Loewen’s book, updated since its original publication, explodes some of the many myths and falsehoods contained in textbooks on American history. Whether stories of the first Thanksgiving or America and the Vietnam War, the book challenges interpretations presented as facts and facts that are contested. The result is an indispensable argument for trying to get the facts right when discussing American history.

“LIES” are only the half of it. Distortions, misleading narratives, and unnecessary false re-writes diminish the public education of our children. Though written more than 25 years ago, Professor Loewen’s book remains provocative and timely. In my other life, I was immersed in electoral politics (successful in 4 of 5 elections) and one of my early political mentors advised me on seeking voters’ support: “Don’t confuse them with the facts, don’t scare them with the truth.” Though it is true that all countries rely upon myths to sustain a civil society, as a nation, we are a very immature country,… show more.