Let’s hear it for Hamilton
The humanities have taken their lumps in recent years.
Budget-cutters and critics wondered just how valuable it is to know the ins and outs of the Magna Carta or be able to sum up the philosophy of Martin Heidegger when there’s “practical” knowledge to be acquired that can be used to enhance resumes and job prospects.
However, some folks with the discounter Groupon proved this past weekend that having a smidge of historical comprehension can, at the very least, be a safeguard from embarrassment.
In a press release Friday, Groupon promoted its Presidents Day $10 markdowns by noting that “the $10 bill, as everyone knows, features President Alexander Hamilton – undeniably one of our greatest presidents and most widely recognized for establishing the country’s financial system.”
Well, we’ll give them points for acknowledging Hamilton’s path-clearing work as the United States’ first secretary of the treasury, but clearly not “everyone knows” Hamilton was “undeniably one of our greatest presidents,” least of all the folks at Groupon.
That’s because Alexander Hamilton was never president.
When asked if it was a joke, the company replied through its Twitter account, “Joke? We’d never joke about saving $10!”
The prices may not be a joke, in Groupon’s estimation, but it’s good to know that paying attention in history class can keep you from becoming an object of derisive laughter.