How to Raise an American: 1776 Fun and Easy Tools, Tips, and Activities to Help Your Child Love This Country

Patriotism begins at home, so say the authors of this guide for parents dismayed by the perceived negativity emanating from public schools, Hollywood, the recording industry and the news media. The resulting cynicism separates them from ""Americans who believe that we are the most privileged people on earth."" Blyth, a former editor-in-chief of Ladies' Home Journal, and Winston, the first woman to head the White House speechwriting office, envision their book as a toolbox that can be used to redress this ""Patriotism Gap."" Dinner table debates on topics such as ""When do you feel most American?"" can stimulate discussion, while the ""media virus"" can be combated by viewing some of the ""100 All-American Movies"" (war films figure prominently). Although quick to praise examples of national virtue, Blyth and Winston come down hard on individuals and institutions that address the more unsavory aspects of American history and culture. (Textbook authors get notably thumped.) Fostering a heightened sense of civic awareness is a laudable goal. However, as with any other parental advice guide, moms and dads will have to cherry pick the ideas that reflect the values they want to transmit to their children.