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We are simply saying the man should be mentioned in public schools, acknowledged for his accomplishments , sacrifices, yes even his mistakes but also for his turnaround to forgive and work for peace in his country as well as elsewhere. I know for a fact Bin Laden's death was discussed in school. So what's the big deal with Mandela? .
As I tried to explain to you b4, we care about those who affect our lives. Bin Laden was believed to be responsible for a heinous attack on Americans, so news of his death was cause for celebration. His attack caused the way we check in at airports and fortunately or unfortunately the way we view those fromt he ARAB world we see here int he states.
Nothing Mandela did affects life here. To most Americans, he's simply nothing more than a nice old man who possibly, was unjustly imprisoned for a long time, and then became president of a country half way around the world.
Why the need to discuss this with grade school kids. And also, in your original post, you stated that you will be asking the teacher when they plan to talk about him, as if you want to dictate school policy and curriculum. I thought that was a bit arrogant
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
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Quote:
Originally Posted by no kudzu
I sat my kids down last night and showed them his picture and told them all about Soweto and this man's life and his legacy. I wanted them to be aware of what was sure to be discussed in school today. I was shocked when both girls told me not one word was said about him And this is a very progressive school system. One girl in 5th and one in 6th grade. i plan to write a letter to their teachers asking how and when this great man will be discussed. Maybe it is too soon but surely this is not an unexpected death so at least a history teacher would have something to present.
Did your kids discuss Mandela in School today?
No Kudzu,
We're in the same school district as you, as you know. Both my 1st grader and my 3rd grader discussed it in their classes - not sure about the 6th grader.
I sat my kids down last night and showed them his picture and told them all about Soweto and this man's life and his legacy. I wanted them to be aware of what was sure to be discussed in school today. I was shocked when both girls told me not one word was said about him And this is a very progressive school system. One girl in 5th and one in 6th grade. i plan to write a letter to their teachers asking how and when this great man will be discussed. Maybe it is too soon but surely this is not an unexpected death so at least a history teacher would have something to present.
Did your kids discuss Mandela in School today?
Let's back off personal and rude comments please and get back to the OP ^^
As I tried to explain to you b4, we care about those who affect our lives. Bin Laden was believed to be responsible for a heinous attack on Americans, so news of his death was cause for celebration. His attack caused the way we check in at airports and fortunately or unfortunately the way we view those fromt he ARAB world we see here int he states.
Nothing Mandela did affects life here. To most Americans, he's simply nothing more than a nice old man who possibly, was unjustly imprisoned for a long time, and then became president of a country half way around the world.
Why the need to discuss this with grade school kids. And also, in your original post, you stated that you will be asking the teacher when they plan to talk about him, as if you want to dictate school policy and curriculum. I thought that was a bit arrogant
For one reason, because kids who are better educated on what goes on around the world make more money as adults than kids who are not.
I would be more concerned if Pearl Harbor wasn't mentioned.
Too many people have the MSNBC view of Mandela. His compliments of Castro, insults of the US, and views on private property are never mentioned.
You do realize that people can be against apartheid and not hold Mandela in high regard. I always thought that Chief Buthelezi should have been given control of South Africa at that time.
You really think that Buthelezi who was against sanctions, was a government puppet and was a tribal loyalist rather than a multiculturalist should have been given control? While Mandela was certainly not perfect at least he transcended the tribalism that kept the South African people divided.
So what you are saying is that World History degree WILL in fact pay off afterall? LOL Highly doubt it.
Nobody is saying a World History degree is necessary to be informed and educated about world history. People who are educated and informed about the world make better world citizens, regardless of eventual pay. They also make better parents because they can teach their children what they obviously are not getting in school.
I can appreciate one wanting recognition of Mandela in school.
However, there are also probably parents who would have appreciated acknowledgement of Thatcher's death; a moment of silence perhaps for the typhoon deaths of 5K+ in the Phillippines or the anniversary of Newtown;mention of the devastion of schools & death from tornado in OK; mention of 9-11 anniveraries; etc, etc, etc.
Everyone has his or her own agenda. Elementary school has the agenda of teaching a rigorous curriculum. Plus, some of these topics involving death can be very upsetting to elementary students, so must be approached very carefully.
Parents cannot expect schools to cover everything. As a parent you have a roll to play regarding your own agenda.
Last edited by bongo; 12-12-2013 at 08:33 AM..
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