Naming of parts; or, the comforts of classification: Thomas Jefferson's construction of America as fact and myth

Article Abstract:

Thomas Jefferson uses the literary technique of naming of parts to construct his viewpoint, and describe the political and mythological aspects of Virginia in 'Notes on the State of Virginia.' He provides a catalogue of facts about the State of Virginia during the Revolutionary War. While in the book he follows the classifications he gave in the 'Catalogue of the United States,' it is essentially a war book that asserts the superiority of the US over Europe. Although he attempts to dispel the myth of America as 'land of plenty,' he brings the myth of American greatness into existence.

United States, Analysis, Portrayals, Criticism and interpretation, Mythology, Jefferson, Thomas, Myth in literature

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The myth of the troubled and scorned Vietnam veteran

Article Abstract:

The success of most Vietnam veterans in returning to civilian life belies the popular view that the Vietvets suffered more after coming home than did the veterans of earlier wars. On the contrary, evidence such as the Vietvets' having a higher median income than civilians proves that the media and anti-war and right-wing groups have made too much of the veterans' alleged misfortunes. A number of factors account for the widespread exaggeration of the Vietvets' plight such as the overly broad definition of post-traumatic stress disorder endorsed by psychiatrists.

Psychological aspects, Veterans, Vietnam veterans

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Recounting the fables of savagery: native infanticide and the functions of political myth

Article Abstract:

Many historians have sought to justify the increasing Western domination of Hawaii in the 19th century by portraying the native Hawaiians as practicing savage customs such as infanticide. In fact these historians have ignored the complete lack of documentation for the charge that infanticide among the Hawaiians was common. This misrepresentation of Hawaiian history is a prime example of how colonialist historians use political myths about conquered native peoples to provide a moral basis for colonization.

History, Political aspects, Hawaii, Infanticide, Imperialism, Hawaiians

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