Loewen defines heroification as “a degenerative process (much like calcification) that transforms people into heroes” (Loewen 11). During this process, negative or controversial facts are often ignored or changed about these heroes, who create "perfect creatures without conflict, without pain, without credibility or human interest (Loewen 11). When we alter or omit facts about people from history for this type of glorification, we end up with a made-up story of the event or person; in other words, the story has become a myth. History textbooks are full of these types of glorifications, especially older texts. The aim of heroification is to present events or people in a favorable light and to provide ideal role models to follow. In my own words, I call the heroification of Loewen an effective form of brainwashing. For example, I was always taught that the Civil War was about freeing slaves, but I later learned that the war was about state succession in the Union. Many people still believe that the purpose of the Emancipation Proclamation was to free slaves; however, it was actually the last resort used by Lincoln to win the Civil War. Of course, this is not how these events were described to most of us in history classes. Heroification changes the purpose of these events so that we, as citizens, can be proud that America ended slavery because our ancestors felt it was morally wrong. Loewen also highlights how heroification can lead to role models in the case of Helen Keller, "the blind and deaf girl who overcame her physical disabilities, as a source of inspiration for generations of schoolchildren" (Loewen 12) . The problem with Keller being used as an exemplary role model for American schoolchildren is that only her early life is depicted...... middle of paper ...... alludes to her attitude towards black people. He appointed whites to positions reserved for blacks, segregated the navy, and expelled African-American leaders from office. Of course, textbooks omit these facts about Wilson because his behavior was shameful and offensive. If these facts were known, Loewen believes that “no black person could ever consider Woodrow Wilson a hero” (Loewen 20). Personally, I haven't studied Wilson in depth, but I realized that he fell into the racist category. I also believe that “Americans need to learn from the Wilson era that there is a connection between racist presidential leadership and a like-minded public response” (Loewen 21). I think this is an important factor when determining who to vote for at the polls. Works Cited Loewen, James W. Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong. New York: touchstone, 2007.