Patriotic Education / Mindless Zealots?

Teaching Exceptionalism and Manifest Destiny.

Are you wondering what is meant by a Patriotic Education? The first paragraph below will be taught in our schools. The second paragraph will be cut from the curriculum. 

Manifest destiny is defined as “the concept of American exceptionalism, that is, the belief that America occupies a special place among the countries of the world.” The Puritans came to America in 1630 believing that their survival in the new world would be a sign of God's approval.

Manifest Destiny was the idea that white Americans were divinely ordained to settle the entire continent of North America. ... US President James K. Polk (1845-1849) is the leader most associated with Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny inflamed sectional tensions over slavery, which ultimately led to the Civil War.

Does it matter?

Damn straight it does. By putting these these concepts in full context, students become critical thinkers.

There are five key critical thinking skills are: analysis, interpretation, inference, explanation, self-regulation, open-mindedness, and problem-solving. (zety.com)

According to Indeed.com, Critical thinking helps people better understand themselves, their motivations and goals. When you can deduce information to find the most important parts and apply those to your life, you can change your situation and promote personal growth and overall happiness.