“Taking ideas seriously does not fit with the rhetorical style of textbooks, which presents events so as to make them seem foreordained along a line of constant progress. Including ideas would make history contingent: things could go either way, and have on occasion. The 'right' people, armed with the 'right' ideas, have not always won. When they didn't, the authors would be in the embarrassing position of having to disapprove of an outcome in the past. Including ideas would introduce uncertainty. This is not textbook style.”
Quote by James W. Loewen
Work
Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong
This book delves into the discrepancies and inaccuracies found in commonly used American history textbooks, offering a critical perspective on the historical narrative taught in schools. The author analyzes various events and interpretations, questioning the reliability of traditional accounts and presenting alternative viewpoints. more
Author
James W. Loewen
James W. Loewen is a distinguished sociologist recognized for his research on social issues and education. Born on February 6, 1942, he has made significant contributions to the understanding of race, education, and social inequality. more
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