Lucky for me, graduate school and an English degree followed.
Last night, I dragged my 12-year old daughter (who stalled all the way out the door) and my husband (who isn't generally an avid movie goer) to see Dinesh D'Souza's America. If you haven't seen it yet, go!
What this movie did for me was reaffirm why I rejected so much of the "required" reading pushed on me during college such as Howard Zinn (People's History of the United States), Karl Marx, among others. Of course, I read the required reading, I had to. How else would I get a decent grade and graduate?! I just didn't understand as I read them why anyone would prescribe to actually like, follow and align with ideology that felt so oppressive to me.
Shame, Communism, Imperialism, plundering and conquest. None of these attributes or governing structures felt morally right or were better ideas than America had enlisted as her doctrine through the Founding Fathers, regardless of her or their imperfections. Let's remember, I was only 19 and 20 at the time, and an easy target. But apparently not so malleable. I suppose my inability to fully succumb to their teachings, is why my professors ultimately treated me more like a "nice to have" but not a "must have" pupil.
While I realize "America" is just one movie, it's a thoughtful movie with a clear vision and logic that are easily understood. I wish every kid in America with the ability to comprehend the impact and consequences of history would go see this movie. After the movie, strangers approached me to discuss the theme and merits, something that almost never happens at a movie theater. This movie is different.
If you still haven't seen America, I suggest you pack up the family and head to the theater. It's a great way to beat the summer heat, learn about some significant historical facts you may not have been taught in school (and that your kids aren't being taught today), and understand why so many worldwide continue to believe that the American idea is libertarian genius, and that without her we'd be a very different nation — and not in a good way.
Watch the trailer:
