Reader comments
'History Detective' to speak in Salt Lake City

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Cats | 8:45 a.m. Sept. 10, 2008
I watch this show all the time and find it fascinating. However, political correctness is certainly a prominent factor in the way these stories are presented. What a surprise on PBS.
Carmen | 9:29 a.m. Sept. 10, 2008
what political correctness.....? history should be factual...no political bend
David | 9:37 a.m. Sept. 10, 2008
Cats,
What are you talking about? Maybe at least one specific example of this political sensitivity would be helpful. I detect a knee-jerk reaction. You should be able to muster one specific example if it is such a 'prominent factor.' I won't hold my breath.
Comments continue below
awesome | 11:08 a.m. Sept. 10, 2008
This will be a great event. Thanks for bringing her to town. Love the show as one of the best things out there!
Cats | 1:37 p.m. Sept. 10, 2008
I'll give you one example, though I'll probably get blasted for it: In a recent segment about the artist who created Mount Rushmore (his name escapes me at the moment) Gwendolyn Wright (right off the bat) referred to the artist as a "racist" because he sent letters to an American Indian chief in which he, in her view, used condescending language. I thought that was an unfair value judgment based on 21st century, politically-correct values.

One of my degrees is in history and an important thing I have learned is that one cannot fairly judge historical figures based on 21st century, politically-correct morals and values. One must judge an individual within the context of his/her own times. I feel that I have seen some unfair, politically correct judgments one this show.

Don't misunderstand me, I like the show. But, I have enough historical background to know when things are being presented in an unfairly biased manor. And, Carmen is correct, history should be unbiased, but it never is. Anytime you read or see any historical work there is going to be bias to a greater or lesser degree.

We all need to learn to recognize this bias when it occurrs.

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Gwendolyn Wright

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