Everyone says, "Good Job, Olivia" for finishing this book after nine months......lol

But actually - I don't regret taking my time with this one at all. This book contains an abundance of information. It is so rich that annotating was truly essential for a thorough and effective comprehension.

Although it may not be a flawless book in every aspect, it is extremely eye-opening and thought-provoking. It has the power to make you look at things from different perspectives and stimulate your mind.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in expanding their knowledge and engaging in deep思考. It is well worth the investment of time and effort.

You will surely gain valuable insights and a new understanding of various concepts after reading it. So, don't hesitate to pick it up and embark on this intellectual journey.

Although I initially purchased "Lies My Teacher Told Me" as a resource for the author's lecture series "Rethinking Our Past: Recognizing Facts, Fictions, And Lies In American History," I have now delved into the entirety of the 42-page Chapter 4, titled "Red Eyes." In this chapter, Loewen endeavors to present American history from the perspective of Native Americans. He manages to turn history on its head, with the overarching theme of how Indians were portrayed as savages in the national consciousness, despite their expertise and inventiveness that taught the incoming Europeans crucial skills such as land cultivation and governance.

Native American culture was not homogeneous; it began to evolve and adapt upon contact with the Europeans. For instance, some Indian tribes, decimated by European diseases, came together to form a union and govern themselves. Loewen contends that their success influenced American-style democracy and even had an impact on European democratizing movements.
However, being integrated into the wider economy brought significant changes to Native culture. The importance of hunting, trapping, and the slave trade increased. With the acquisition of guns and horses, their success in these activities expanded, while prior skills were lost. As the decades passed and territory was depleted or made unsuitable for wildlife by European activities, Indians gradually dropped out of the economy and lost their value.
The slave trade in Native Americans was substantial. To prevent escapes, the Europeans traded Indian slaves to the West Indies for African slaves, similar to the practices of ancient empires. Loewen also challenges the traditional notion of a "frontier" and instead proposes the existence of "zones of interaction" that were multicultural and linguistically diverse.
He refers to the cultural exchange and sharing of skills and thought in these zones as "syncretism," a term he uses in a positive light, which is a novel concept for me. I began to view syncretism as the opposite of today's fear of cultural change and "cultural appropriation" on both the Left and Right.
Nevertheless, the ultimate fate of these multicultural zones was inevitable, given the power differential and the declining economic worth of the native populations. As they lost economic power and status, their inferiority was rationalized, leading to further marginalization.
Loewen also examines the position of Native Americans as allies during the wars in the Americas and their subsequent treatment. He argues that Indians could not succeed without legal protection and credits the civil rights movement with bringing about some changes in attitudes. However, he acknowledges that the economic standing, low numbers, and invisibility of Indians on reservations have limited this improvement.
Overall, "Lies My Teacher Told Me" presents thought-provoking issues and makes me reflect on the complex history of Native Americans and Europeans. While I have not read the entire book, I anticipate awarding it four stars, similar to the lecture series. James Loewen not only presents important information but also encourages readers to think critically about the past and its implications for the present.

Additionally, I explored other related works such as Louise Erdrich's novels on American Indian themes and Ken Nerburn's memoir "Neither Wolf nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder." These works provide further insights into the rich and diverse history and culture of Native Americans.

In conclusion, this exploration of American history from a Native American perspective has been a fascinating and enlightening journey, challenging my preconceived notions and inspiring me to continue learning about this important topic.

According to Goodreads, I initiated the reading of this in 2014. This isn't untrue; indeed, I read a few chapters. I did so mainly to keep up with my brother, who had read half of it before presenting it to me for Christmas and was in an unusually talkative state. However, nonfiction and I don't blend well - unless it's in the form of an audiobook. I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Loewen speak at the White Privilege Conference in March and was extremely impressed, which led me to obtain the audiobook.

After finally reading it, here's what I have to say: this is an absolute must-read. Everyone should peruse this book. It serves as both a diagnosis of the issue, demonstrating how American history textbooks are overly promotional to the point of blatant falsehoods and absurdities, and a remedy, presenting a meticulously researched history that debunks the myth of American progress.

I don't award many five-star ratings. This one earns five stars despite three significant drawbacks. Firstly, it's 20 years outdated. There's an updated edition, but the audiobook is of the first edition. Secondly, the book is structured to initially show how Native Americans have been systematically expunged from both history and textbooks, and how the narrative doesn't make sense without them. Next, it reveals how black history and achievements have also been systematically erased from history and textbooks, how the South managed to essentially win the Civil War by commandeering the narrative in the 1890s and beyond, and how the historical storyline is incomprehensible without the black narrative. Then Loewen addresses class, albeit not to the same extent (unfortunately). It wasn't until the afterward that I realized he hadn't touched on gender at all. This is unacceptable, and I hope the second edition is improved. The fact that I still give five stars attests to the fact that the rest is that excellent. Sadly, I'm jaded enough to prefer a really good partial treatment over a lousy "universal" treatment (i.e., every other American history textbook in existence). Thirdly, he blames many people for the problem of terrible and deceitful textbooks but ultimately places the blame on teachers, asserting that "once the door is shut, no one interferes with what occurs in the classroom." Even if that sentence was penned in the 90s, it shows a jarring lack of awareness of the reality in the midst of an otherwise very well-researched and perceptive book.

Like any genuine history, it includes the atrocities. And it can be difficult to read at times because of this. There were moments when I was deeply shaken by how much I had been lied to. For example, I knew about the FBI's campaign against MLK, but I had no idea of the full depth and breadth of the story. I knew more about the history of Native Americans than easily 95% of the people in this country, yet I still had no inkling of the depth and pervasiveness of the genocide. And this is just a surface-level treatment! Even though it was surface-level, I had to put it down several times; I encounter enough misery in my daily job and in the news that it became overwhelming.

As I've stated, this is required reading. It is a profoundly humane book. As the author points out, textbooks throughout the ages have mirrored the society of the time. We all bear responsibility for the fact that we have been and continue to be misled about our history, and the implications of those lies are far-reaching.

Great book! It truly provides an eye-opening explanation as to why I received such poor grades in US History. When I pointed out that what we were being taught did not align with what I had learned in Europe, the teacher simply did not pay attention or rather chose to ignore it. It is truly appalling to read about all the lies that students in the US are being fed on a daily basis. The textbooks are clearly slanted to make the US seem like the hero in every situation. However, this book manages to uncover a small portion of this nonsense. It gives a different perspective and allows readers to question the information that has been presented to them. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a more accurate understanding of US history and the biases that exist within the educational system.

Whatever you had learned in your high school textbooks and college textbooks was probably presented to you in carefully modified forms.

Truths were distorted to make facts look pretty.

For example, Woodrow Wilson was a very racist president, but in fact, most textbooks never wrote to present that ugly side of our dear president.

All I can say is that this book is a super controversial book.

If you ever打算 pick up this book for a good read, just prepare to be offended somewhat due to all of the contradictions to what you have ever learned in your life about the known history.

This shows that the information we receive from textbooks may not always be the whole truth.

We should be critical thinkers and not blindly accept everything we read.

By reading different sources and perspectives, we can gain a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of history.

It is important to question and challenge the status quo to avoid being misled by false or incomplete information.

I am so incredibly disappointed in this.

What is being promoted as a factual text that aims to'set the record straight' on events in US history is, in reality, nothing more than a means to convey the author's blatant political bias.

The author seems to have a personal agenda to force his point of view onto the reader.

I read a great deal of material that I never rate on GR.

Nevertheless, this book is merely a scattering of history combined with the author's unfounded political commentary and pure propaganda.

It is incorrect on so many different levels.

It fails to provide an objective and accurate account of historical events, instead choosing to push a particular political narrative.

This is extremely frustrating for those who are seeking a reliable and unbiased source of information about US history.

One would hope that a book claiming to be about historical facts would present a more balanced and comprehensive view.

Unfortunately, this is not the case with this particular work.

I have truly gained a great deal of knowledge from this book. However, I must be honest with you, it is extremely depressing.

Mankind, in essence, is rather despicable. We have constantly treated one another poorly and then had the audacity to lie about it.

The atrocities described within the pages of this book are truly horrifying. Genocides, prejudices, and tortures - there are so many horrors to behold.

If you are seeking a book that will fill you with a sense of warmth and optimism regarding the kindness of our fellow humans and the might of our historical heroes, then this is most definitely not the book for you.

But if you have a desire to uncover the malevolent sides of the numerous figures in our history books, then this book is an absolute must-read. I now possess a far deeper understanding of Christopher Columbus than I ever could have imagined or desired.

It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth about our past and serves as a reminder that we must strive to do better in the future.

Perfectly delightful, in that painful sort of way that inevitably accompanies a growth experience.

If you love sacred cows and sentimentally mawkish attitudes toward history and politics, skip this book. But actually, on second thought, you most particularly need to read this.

Loewen does an outstanding job of challenging White privilege and fragility in a sensitive and easy-going manner. It is a very difficult task that he has handled adeptly.

I read this book along with my 8th grade daughter, whose social studies teacher assigned it. Kudos to that teacher, and a personal thanks from me for the introduction to an important addition to my reading list. This book not only provides valuable insights into history and society but also encourages critical thinking and self-reflection. It makes us question our assumptions and biases, and helps us to see the world from different perspectives. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the true nature of history and the importance of social justice.

3.75 stars

It took me an incredibly long time to make my way through this. However, it also led me to question how high school history managed to pique my interest in the first place. In the US (I'm not sure about other countries), primary history education seems to be nothing more than rote memorization of key events, figures, and dates, with very little or no emphasis on analysis. Moreover, it is extremely negligent when it comes to minority groups, a topic that this book frequently touches upon.

I believe the author has illustrated his point extremely thoroughly. History textbooks have significant room for improvement, and I vividly remember learning history in the manner he describes in this book. I would be extremely interested in seeing a 2023 version of this to observe what changes or additions might be made.

I would highly recommend this to history enthusiasts, especially those with an interest in historiography, but also to anyone who feels that their understanding of history and the way it was taught to them may have been insufficient. I would assume that this includes the general population.

I think it's important to reevaluate the way we teach history to ensure that it is more comprehensive, engaging, and inclusive. This book serves as a valuable reminder of the need for such changes.

This book is truly thought provoking and shocking, making it an absolute must-read.

It effectively illustrates the information that is typically found in high school history texts, providing a deeper and more engaging understanding of historical events and concepts.

Published in 2007, it has since become an important resource for students, educators, and history enthusiasts alike.

The author's meticulous research and vivid writing style bring the past to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the stories and experiences of those who came before us.

Whether you are looking to enhance your knowledge of history or simply enjoy a captivating read, this book is highly recommended.

It has the power to change the way you think about the past and its impact on the present.

So don't miss out on this remarkable work of historical literature.

Great cocktail fodder.

I think the author has a great overall point. Especially since my mom is Navajo and was raised as a baby in Tuba City, AZ. But come on. Does anyone out there still believe the stuff printed during the Cold War anyway?

Some of the examples in the book are pure sensationalistic crap. That's okay, it's no worse than the religious right's crap and in this case much more interesting and less mystical.

I find it just as hard to accept each 'fact' given in this book when the author has in fact written it 'in penance' for missing the civil rights movement. Hey, tell it to your priest...er....whoever. It sets the tone right off for some extreme bias.

Yep. It's a fun read and will result in many lively debates over dinner. I thought it would be more modern and intellectual. However, despite its flaws, it still manages to capture the reader's attention and spark interesting discussions. The author's personal connection to the Navajo culture adds an interesting layer to the book. While some of the examples may be exaggerated or inaccurate, they do serve to make the reader think about the issues at hand. Overall, it's a book that is worth reading, if only for the entertainment value and the opportunity to engage in lively debates with others.

I am really enjoying this exploration of history. It presents a wealth of information, both about things I was already familiar with and those that were completely new to me.

Moreover, it delves into the fascinating topic of how history is written, rewritten, or even left unwritten and the reasons behind these processes.

To be fair, it's important to note that it's not necessarily the teachers who are at fault. They are often working within the framework of the textbooks they are provided.

Certainly, many textbooks have been found to have inaccuracies or biases. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the political or social context in which they were written, or the limited availability of information at the time.

However, it's crucial for us as learners to be critical thinkers and to question the information we are presented with. By doing so, we can gain a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of history.