Comment by ecshafer
1 day ago
jfc are you kidding? They teach how bad America is in public schools. A People's History of the United States has sold millions of copies. This must be satire since if anything the discourse is much more about how America is fundamentally corrupt.
American public schools? Since when? All I remember is “they threw tea in the harbor because taxes were so bad” and “George Washington just wanted everyone to finally have freedom”. Yes they teach about slavery and Chinese labor, but I’m talking about the founding myth specifically.
The founding myth was not talked about at all in new york state high school. They were clear it was about western expansion, and taxes, and led by the local american aristocracy. Every single period emphasized labor, women, and minority treatment. Perhaps this was because I did AP, but this was pretty consistent even in middle school american history also. Its in my opinion that they should have focused more on the founding myths and righteousness of the cause, as that builds civil engagement more.
You didn't learn about the Delaware Indians? Ohio valley? Cherokee or Tuskarora? How they fought for the British side as they saw American settlers as wanting to take their land (which was correct). The stamp act? The tea tax of just 0.02 that Boston decided, nah, and dumped into the harbor. It started with grievances and ended with the Spanish Fleet. It changed the world, not just founding America. (I got public education in the 80s/90s so YMMV).
Now now, not everyone got a well rounded public education.