Myths

As defined by O'Shaughnessy, myths are stories (untrue or true, but often embellished) accepted by a culture which help define the culture's aspirations, its purpose, and its sense of identity. Myths become part of societies' fabric, and O'Shaughnessy argues, debunking of myths can sometimes be harmful.
Myths are helpful for propaganda because they can easily capitalize on shared national or cultural feelings and associations to be used for the propagandist's advantage. The myth is an easy way to create a "message" that will relate to and be understood by a large audience.

America has been influenced by many myths about its founding. These include myths about the discovery of America, myths about the early settlement of the colonies which became the United States and myths about the "founding fathers" of the republic.
The first category, myths about the discovery of America is an example of myths that have undergone historical re-evaluation. Colombus and other explorers were long viewed as heroes for their courage in face of adversity in exploring the New World. As a result, Native Americans who stood in the way of the conquerors were viewed as savages unworthy of sympathy. This perception allowed for discriminatory policies towards Native Americans such as Andrew Johnson's infamous forced displacement of Native American tribes in which so many died it became known as the Trail of Tears. Recently, however, this perception of the Age of Exploration has undergone demythification. In fact, a new myth has been created in which Colombus et al, are imperialists who should not only be condemned for atrocities committed towards Native Americans but also for the imposing their cultural values on Native American society. The new politically correct image which idealizes Native American society is representative of contemporary liberal, post-colonial myths. The new myth's replacement of the old can be seen clearly in such mass culture productions as Disney's Pocahontas.

A second category of myth is myths about the early colonists of what was to become the United States of America. Early colonists are recognized for their flight from religious persecution to form a religiously tolerant society in the New World. O'Shaughnessy mentions John Winthrop's metaphor of America as the "shining city on a hill". What he does not mention is the effect that metaphor had centruries later in Ronald Reagan's 1964 campaign speech for Barry Goldwater. Although Goldwater was defeated in a landslide, many believe this speech is what launched Reagan as a national politician with presidential prospects. The metaphor, with its reliance on a popular perception, had not lost its potency over time.

A third myth in the American founding is the perception of the "founding fathers". These individuals are viewed reverently by Americans of all political persuasions. George Washington the "father of our country" transcends political labels. His power as an image of morality was the inspiration for the fable about little George and the cherry tree. Most recently, this myth was used in the 2006 campaign in a satirical attack ad on a member of Congress. The ad relies on the viewers' perception of Washington as honest and upright to contrast it to the conduct of the contemporary congressman.