On page 20, Loewen points out how only 4 textbooks mention Wilson's racial policies, and follows with a block quote from the textbook Land of Promise from 1983. He then points out how textbooks now treat it. "Omitting or absolving Wilson's racism goes beyond concealing a character blemish. It is overtly racist. No Black person could ever consider Woodrow Wilson a hero. Textbooks that present him as a hero are written from a white perspective. The cover-up denies all students the chance to learn something important about the interrelationship between the leader and the led" (20-1). How effective is Lowen's argument here? Why? Explain fully.

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### Analysis of Textbook Representations of Wilson's Racial Policies

In his discussion on page 20, Loewen highlights a critical gap in historical education: the omission of President Woodrow Wilson's racial policies in most textbooks. Loewen notes that only four textbooks address this aspect of Wilson's presidency. He supports his argument with a block quote from the textbook **Land of Promise** published in 1983, which serves as an example.

**Loewen's Quotation:**
> "Omitting or absolving Wilson's racism goes beyond concealing a character blemish. It is overtly racist. No Black person could ever consider Woodrow Wilson a hero. Textbooks that present him as a hero are written from a white perspective. The cover-up denies all students the chance to learn something important about the interrelationship between the leader and the led" (20-1).

**Analysis Questions:**
1. **How effective is Loewen's argument here?**
2. **Why? Explain fully.**

Loewen's argument is compelling due to several reasons:
- **Selective Historical Narration:** By emphasizing that only a small number of textbooks mention Wilson's racism, Loewen sheds light on the selective nature of historical narration in educational materials. This suggests a systemic issue within educational publishing that may prefer to present a sanitized version of history.
- **Impact on Understanding Leadership:** The quote argues that omitting these facts distorts students' understanding of the complexities of leadership. It underscores that learning about the flaws and prejudices of historical figures is essential for a nuanced perspective of history.
- **Racial Perspective Concerns:** The critique that textbooks presenting Wilson as a hero are written from a "white perspective" highlights the racial biases that can permeate historical education. It calls for a more inclusive approach that considers perspectives from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

In summary, Loewen effectively argues that the omission of Wilson's racial policies in textbooks is not merely a matter of incomplete history but an active misrepresentation that impedes comprehensive education. This critical examination encourages educators to strive for more balanced and inclusive historical narratives.
Transcribed Image Text:### Analysis of Textbook Representations of Wilson's Racial Policies In his discussion on page 20, Loewen highlights a critical gap in historical education: the omission of President Woodrow Wilson's racial policies in most textbooks. Loewen notes that only four textbooks address this aspect of Wilson's presidency. He supports his argument with a block quote from the textbook **Land of Promise** published in 1983, which serves as an example. **Loewen's Quotation:** > "Omitting or absolving Wilson's racism goes beyond concealing a character blemish. It is overtly racist. No Black person could ever consider Woodrow Wilson a hero. Textbooks that present him as a hero are written from a white perspective. The cover-up denies all students the chance to learn something important about the interrelationship between the leader and the led" (20-1). **Analysis Questions:** 1. **How effective is Loewen's argument here?** 2. **Why? Explain fully.** Loewen's argument is compelling due to several reasons: - **Selective Historical Narration:** By emphasizing that only a small number of textbooks mention Wilson's racism, Loewen sheds light on the selective nature of historical narration in educational materials. This suggests a systemic issue within educational publishing that may prefer to present a sanitized version of history. - **Impact on Understanding Leadership:** The quote argues that omitting these facts distorts students' understanding of the complexities of leadership. It underscores that learning about the flaws and prejudices of historical figures is essential for a nuanced perspective of history. - **Racial Perspective Concerns:** The critique that textbooks presenting Wilson as a hero are written from a "white perspective" highlights the racial biases that can permeate historical education. It calls for a more inclusive approach that considers perspectives from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. In summary, Loewen effectively argues that the omission of Wilson's racial policies in textbooks is not merely a matter of incomplete history but an active misrepresentation that impedes comprehensive education. This critical examination encourages educators to strive for more balanced and inclusive historical narratives.
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