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1.04k reviews for:
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong
James W. Loewen
4.04 AVERAGE
1.04k reviews for:
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong
James W. Loewen
4.04 AVERAGE
I reiterate that this book should be read by every history teacher in America before they are allowed to teach US history. If you care at all about even attempting to understand this country you should AT LEAST read the beginning or end chapter of this book. If you care about truth in any sense at all you should read this book. Read this book
I picked up this book thinking it would just be a "regular" history book, focused on some areas of history that my public school education neglected, but instead I got a book that was not only full of interesting information, but included an interesting discussion on how history is taught in the US and its effect on our country. Some of the chapters weren't that surprising (Columbus massacred the Native Americans, the Pilgrams weren't tolerant of anyone but other strict Protestants, etc), but I found the chapters on the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights movement enlightening. The author clearly has an axe to grind with the history book publishing industry and even though he makes the book sound scientific (by using a "sample" of history books) you get the feeling that he is really biased and looking to get is point across in any way possible.
In the end, I like the book and it succeeds in opening my eyes to different historical eras, but the book might be better served by dumping the last two or three chapters.
In the end, I like the book and it succeeds in opening my eyes to different historical eras, but the book might be better served by dumping the last two or three chapters.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, Xenophobia
Hmmmm...if only we were taught the truth from the beginning.
I thought this was going to be an easy read about historical truths, but it is really dry. Disappointingly boring.
Wow. What a heavy, thought provoking read. One of the things that stuck with me the most is the difference between patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism being one’s love for their country, nationalism being one viewing their country as superior to all others. Unfortunately history textbooks are written in ways that do not encourage independent thinking about what may have occurred, but rather state their word as “fact”. Students are lead blindly into thinking by simply existing, they are being lead into a better society rather than promoting criticism and critical thinking of history in order to prepare for the future. Unfortunately our society has shaped a more nationalist mindset - but newsflash; we kinda suck.
Coming off from reading this book, I’m thinking about ways that I, as a teacher, can challenge my students to think critically in our classroom. And how I can cultivate a curiosity for the truth rather than blind following of what is presented. I learned a lot…now it’s time to put it into action.
Coming off from reading this book, I’m thinking about ways that I, as a teacher, can challenge my students to think critically in our classroom. And how I can cultivate a curiosity for the truth rather than blind following of what is presented. I learned a lot…now it’s time to put it into action.
challenging
informative
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
thought-provoking, but very dry reading in places.... could have been shorter in my opinion
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
This should be required reading. Crazy informative and truly shows why the US is in the state it currently is. Interesting that predictions he made in 1995 are already coming to pass about the de-education of American citizens.