Speaker dispels popular myths in America

Jamie Dawkins
Staff Writer

   On Thursday Oct. 3, Rick Shenkman presented "Myth America: How we get our history wrong and why" to nearly 60 Muskingum College students.

    Shenkman has appeared on "Prime Time," the "Today Show," and ŒHardball," and also hosted a show on "The Learning Channel." Shenkman has also written five history books.

    "This is the truth, the whole truth according to me," Shenkman said.

   Many myths are taught to students in their textbooks. Americans allow myths because they tell us who we are.

    "Myths are harmless most of the time and sometimes they are even good," Shenkman said.

   America is a fairly young country and we create myths to help unite us. As Americans, we have a great desire to belong.

   Myths are an oversimplification of who we are as a whole. "Myths are what hold this country together," Shenkman said.

   Betsy Ross did not sew the first American flag, her descendants made up the story. Christopher Columbus did not discover that the world is round; everyone since Greek times knew that. The Pilgrims did not land on Plymouth Rock; the story was made up by a 95-year-old man over 120 years after the Mayflower landed.

    "His lecture was very shocking and educational," sophomore journalism major J.T. Raymond said.

   A myth washes out all of the things that Americans do not want to talk about. Real truthful history makes America uncomfortable, according to Shenkman. Myths can be dangerous. In the 1930s before World War II, America was in a period of isolationism. Americans believed that they were safe and separated by the surrounding miles and miles of ocean. The Japanese proved America wrong and took away the security. Another example is the Vietnam conflict. America had a feeling of invincibility but soon found out the truth.

    "I want us to face the uncomfortable truths of our history," Shenkman said.

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