Professor Not Surprised Americans Don't Know Much History
CHICAGO (CBS) Recent studies have shown that many Americans don't know very much about American History.
As WBBM Newsradio 780 Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, this Independence Day weekend, a local historian says she's not surprised.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780 Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports
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DePaul University historian Colleen Doody says one reason many American seem ignorant of American history is because it's often taught as a series of dates and events, and is boring.
"On the one side, you have conservatives who see the teaching of American history as the teaching of a sort of seamless truth. What does it mean to be American, and what is the meaning of our nation?" Doody said. "On the other side, you have professional historians who are saying, 'No, we're not trying to teach truth. In fact, we're trying to look at the past as this contested place where different groups have had different ideas, have fought for their rights, have not always agreed."
Doody is a guest on Newsradio 780's "At Issue" program this weekend. You can hear more of her comments on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Newsradio 780.
