There is an article highlighting the findings of a three-year study suggesting, once again, that our education institutions are failing in regards to American history. But instead of a report on high schools, higher education was the target, our universities.
First off, I will say this, I am not a big fan of these so-called “studies.†They can be biased, influenced, and whatever else.
But two questions are raised here for me. 1) Why did the mainstream media NOT pick up on this story? It’s contained to just one publication and though that is not uncommon, often these stories are picked up by the mainstream media. They were in 2001. 2) If we assume that its findings are even somewhat correct, what could be the root cause?
The answer to the first question is very simple. The mainstream media would not be very interested because it (the mainstream liberal media) would be in favor of the findings.
What are those findings? That when young adults enter college they learn little about American history and actually experience something called “negative learning.†The mainstream liberal media would actually applaud that cultural relativism has taken hold full-force in our universities, at least those elitist leftist schools such as: Yale, Brown and Georgetown as mentioned in the article. These students could not identify very simple things, which frankly, is disturbing. (You need to read the article, if you care.)
As to the answer to the second question, it relates to the first. It’s the nature of college education today to be anti-American. To be a professor of American history requires that you be a cultural relativist, and if you are not you have somehow reached a certain level of intellectual bankruptcy. To be an American history professor and teach the things that this study focused on would be blasphemy in many left coast universities, and plenty of others across the country.
The findings won’t change until the nature of our nation’s colleges and universities (not all but a lot) changes.
There has not and will not be an uproar concerning this study by the media or by the Universities, as they privately are applauding and patting themselves on the back.
Chris, — Do you really expect readers to think about the above comment as anything more than an emotional rant. Seems to me that if you really are about the problem of education you would move beyond overly simplistic generalizations about the “liberal media” and “left coast universities.” My guess is that you don’t know anything about the professors who teach at these schools. There is not one verifiable claim in this post. I assume this has nothing to do with laying out the terms of debate.
Hi Kevin, why do you keep throwing this “emotional” response thing into the debate like it’s not allowed? Yes, I know we have to be even tempered and rational, I couldn’t agree more. My post was not an “emotional” response as there is truth in what I say. Please… The universities and colleges of this country are dominated by liberal professors who are cultural relativists, and that means the sacrifice of American history. Sorry you do not agree. The study clearly supports my statement. I made a logical connection that has some validity. Also, you know, I think emotion can be a good thing sometimes. Passion can motivate people to get involved. BTW – I would be curious as to your explanation for this study’s findings? Seriously.
Now, do you ever post on any other blog when someone has one of those rants that are TOTAL emotional responses (you know, calling our President, “Skippy Bush”, aka the “cokehead imbecile”, this is on one of the more prominent civil war blogs)? No, and I went back and checked, and that’s becuase you support that person’s political ideology. Which is fine. I don’t hold it against anyone… just trying in my own, you know, demented way to make a point.
PS- have not been over to your blog yet to see your response to my post, but I can’t wait
Cheers! Off to a football game…
Chris
I agree that emotional rants are sometimes called for and of course its your blog. It’s not that I agree or disagree with you because, to be honest, I have no idea what I am responding to. I will assume that the claim was more of an emotional expression than anything that you intended to be based in fact.
I have no idea what you stand politically and let’s just say that you do not have anything close to sufficient information to conclude anything about me. So, as you your last claim re: this other blog I assure you that I have no idea what you are talking about.
That’s it for now Chris. Hope you had a good time at the game — good day for one.
Kevin