Dr. Ben Carson's Program Teaches American History

As students return to school this month, Dr. Ben Carson is promoting his educational program, Little Patriots Learning, aimed at addressing concerns over the portrayal of U.S. history in current school curriculums. Founded in 2021, this free online resource provides parents with various tools, including at-home activities, patriotic literature, and engaging multimedia content designed to instill a sense of American pride and understanding of the nation’s founding principles. Carson, a former HUD secretary and 2016 presidential candidate, attributes the program's inception to insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that many parents were surprised by the content their children were being taught, which often emphasized negative aspects of American history. "We were all kind of assuming that they were learning the same things that we learned when we were children," Carson explained, highlighting a perceived shift in educational focus that he believes undermines national identity. The initiative aims to present a comprehensive view of American history, encompassing both its triumphs and failures. Carson emphasizes the importance of understanding history to foster a strong national identity, stating, "If you don't really understand your history, then you really don't have an identity." He advocates for a narrative that encourages self-reliance and resilience, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Booker T. Washington. Little Patriots Learning seeks to empower children with knowledge and a positive perspective on their country, countering narratives that may lead them to view themselves as victims of circumstance.