Deconstructionism

"In short, Deconstructionism is a steady flow of belittling and negative portrayals of Western heroes, beliefs, values, and institutions. Deconstructionists make their living by telling only part of the story and spinning it negatively, manipulating others into supporting their views and objectives.

"Deconstruction of American heroes, values, and institutions--which especially occurs in today's classrooms--is the reason most Americans can recite more of what's wrong with our nation than what's right . . .

"Under Deconstructionism students are similarly taught about the 'intolerant' Christian Puritans who conducted the infamous witch trials. And while twenty-seven individuals died in the Massachusetts witch trials, almost universally ignored is the fact that witch trials were occuring across the world at that time; in Europe, 500,000 were put to death, including 30,000 in England, 75,000 in France, and 100,000 in Germany. Additionally, the American witch trials lasted eighteen months, but the European trials lasted years . . . Twenty-seven deaths in America but 500,000 in Europe? Why emphasize the twenty-seven but ignore the 500,000? The answer is "Deconstructionism"--presenting a negative portrayal of American faith and values . . .

"In short, Deconstructionists happily point out everything that can possibly be portrayed as a flaw--even if they have to distort information to do so--but they remain conspicuously silent about the multitude of reasons to be proud of America and its many successes and heroes . . .

"American Exceptionalism is no longer recognized, understood, or venerated. To the contrary, many American political officials now feel compelled to apologize to the world for America; they are conscious of our flaws but seem ignorantly oblivious to our matchless benefits and opportunities."

--The Jefferson Lies, David Barton

These were some phrases that stood out to me in the introduction of the book. I am seeing this point of view a lot these days, and I find it very troubling. They portray America as one of the most sexist, racist, ignorant nations in the world and don't acknowledge its many accomplishments and blessings. I find it a little frustrating that we feel the need to apologize to the world for our existence and yet we're almost always expected to be there to help (and take the blame) when other countries are in trouble.

I was actually surprised that only twenty-seven people died in the Salem witch trials. The way they talk about it in school, you would think that hundreds of people were killed.