Myths

I believe that myths do in fact play a role in the formation of the American identity. I think one of the biggest myths that almost every American child is taught in school is that of Christopher Columbus. Most of the stories surrounding Columbus are indeed myths but he is portrayed as an American hero because he helped to establish the American identity. Columbus is the man who “discovered” America. Even though many of the tales told about Columbus are false they continue to be told because he is so important in our countries establishment myth. Myths also seem to play an important role in the Catholic religion. One of the biggest myths in the Catholic religion is the story of Adam and Eve. Although it is doubtful that a snake was talking to Eve in the garden it is an important myth in the Catholic tradition because it tells the story of the first sin. Myths seem to be the most helpful when they are used to teach children lessons or to help establish some sense of beginning. On the other hand myths can be harmful because they aren’t necessary teaching the truth. Often in later years children must be re-taught a lot of the information they learned as a child because it was a “myth” and not actually the truth.