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What I would like is facts be respectfully taught; not to have our founding fathers, imperfect as they were, mocked.
This poem is not mocking Jefferson. This poem is about the all men created equal line being something Jefferson was known very much for, but he did not actually follow it.
That wouldn't be acceptable today because we have come so far.
The Civil War, Women's Rights, etc. All had their point in time in history.
We are where we are today and our history is our record..both the good and bad. But what we perceive as "bad" today was not back then. Keep an objective head about you as you learn history is my advice.
It's important to understand that sometimes things that are accepted societally are not necessarily good things. This is why it's important to acknowledge history that may seem "not so good".
This is one way in which people are taught to think critically. If people just did thing because society thought they were fine, and never questioned why they were doing these things, things would never improve.
At that time it was fine and not frowned on like today.
History must be taken in context.
Slaves, at one time in history, were legal and were not "equal" and that applies world wide smash..not just in the US. Slaves were treated as "property". But, at that time in history, it was legally and morally acceptable. Present history with facts and laws pertinent to that point in time.
That wouldn't be acceptable today because we have come so far.
The Civil War, Women's Rights, etc. All had their point in time in history.
We are where we are today and our history is our record..both the good and bad. But what we perceive as "bad" today was not back then. Keep an objective head about you as you learn history is my advice.
Yes, I do realize that is was deemed acceptable at that time. However, that does not mean we should lie to students about "what all men created equal" actually meant.
Location: Austin, TX/Chicago, IL/Houston, TX/Washington, DC
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Really? Kids are taught to be ashamed of America here??
But the kids abroad are taught to think of this as the promise land, that seems like a pretty strange balance. I'm not trying to be harsh, but I would never watch my kids be ashamed of America, not even for a second.
Our country's led the way to so much;
Skyscrapers
Space Exploration
Biomedical Research
Those are just the first three that come to mind within a second, there's plenty more.
This poem is not mocking Jefferson. This poem is about the all men created equal line being something Jefferson was known very much for, but he did not actually follow it.
Yes, it is mocking Jefferson. It is making fun of Jefferson. The problem is not that negative facts are being presented to children it is that jefferson is being made fun of and mocked.
Really? Kids are taught to be ashamed of America here??
See that's the rub...It doesn't even really happen. A sane balanced approach is in the best interest to everybody... And the overwhelming majority of the time that's what kids get. Sure there are some teachers who teach an overly positive, white-eurocentric version of history, just like some teachers use a curriculum that doesn't highlight the true ingenuity, spirit and unique nature of the country... Balance is the watchword.
In reality the public schools are a target for the right and this is one of the common lines of attack. The veracity of the claim doesn't matter... It's attack, attack, attack.. just as is modeled in right wing radio and by political "heros" in Washington.
What we lose out on is good, sane discourse which can actually solve problems.
Yes, it is mocking Jefferson. It is making fun of Jefferson. The problem is not that negative facts are being presented to children it is that jefferson is being made fun of and mocked.
First, how exactly is Jefferson being mocked??
Secondly, would you have a problem with your 5th grader being taught although Jefferson is known for the "All Men Are Created Equal" line he actually didn't believe in it or follow it himself? Or would you rather your 5th grader be lied to and told Jefferson believed all men were created equal?
Location: Austin, TX/Chicago, IL/Houston, TX/Washington, DC
10,138 posts, read 16,073,423 times
Reputation: 4047
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlassoff
See that's the rub...It doesn't even really happen. A sane balanced approach is in the best interest to everybody... And the overwhelming majority of the time that's what kids get. Sure there are some teachers who teach an overly positive, white-eurocentric version of history, just like some teachers use a curriculum that doesn't highlight the true ingenuity, spirit and unique nature of the country... Balance is the watchword.
In reality the public schools are a target for the right and this is one of the common lines of attack. The veracity of the claim doesn't matter... It's attack, attack, attack.. just as is modeled in right wing radio and by political "heros" in Washington.
What we lose out on is good, sane discourse which can actually solve problems.
Today I have learned how irresponsible our public school systems can truly be.
I got a phone call from my little brothers high school teacher, she told me that he was not behaving in class and was cursing. And that she reported it to the principal.
I talked to my little brother, he denied the whole thing. Not believing him right away because who would've guessed that a teacher would be the one lying over a high school teenager? I called the principal, he confirmed that the teacher has received criticism from so many parents for over exaggerating the truth. Apparently she is being removed next year, and she wasn't supposed to be a teacher anyways. She came here from Spain two months before the school year started and barely knew any English, yet she was able to speak perfect English on the phone with me when she improperly accused my brother of doing things he did not.
I don't know where our country is heading but teachers have a large impact on what our youth "thinks" of today. I still remember most of my teachers, the way they taught me, still stays, the way I read maps, the way I write, the way I do most things when research is taken into consideration is a reflection of what I have been taught.
I hope we get our act together and focus on our educational system, we're lagging behind Asian countries for a reason. We have to act like we care, need to vote the people who make differences into school board offices, not the ones who just know how to talk and not back it up, the future of America's youth relies on it.
I really don't think it matters what context. She is a child in the 5th grade. First she should be taught some basic facts and to be proud of her country. Later, in high school they can start bringing in controversial issues. Her image of herself is still forming.
In other words, while they're still in that easily indoctrinated phase, wash over all the unethical things America has ever done?
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