I will tell anyone who listens that I detest CNN (and all the other 24 hour news networks including CNBC, MSNBC and FOX News) because I believe they do a disservice to Americans seeking unbiased news coverage. But my recent giant glass of ice cold Haterade is lifted to CNN not necessarily for being biased, but for simply being dumb. Now, I am never one to deny someone a check, so hats off to Soledad O'Brien for getting hers, but really CNN? You have the nerve to call a series Gay in America and then treat us (and I use the word VERY loosely) to a documentary on one gay couple's (anticlimactic) journey to having a baby.
Showing posts with label xenophobia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label xenophobia. Show all posts
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Xenophobia Reins Supreme in Arizona
I sometimes cannot believe my eyes. I knew this legislation was in the works, but for it to be signed into law is a completely different thing. (Deep breath!) OK, in Arizona it is now illegal to teach ethnic studies courses because, well, let me just put a quote here from State schools chief Tom Horne who says:
Contrary to belief, American isn't a melting pot. Rather, we demand that people assimilate -- which adapting to "the American Way." But even as people of color, we are constantly reminded (particularly in today's political climate) that we are different and in the eyes of those who largely hold power, inferior. As such, ethnic studies is a necessary part of educating students. (Not to mention that there are non ethnic students who take these courses as well because they want to expand their knowledge -- isn't that what education is supposed to be all about?)
"...A Tucson school district program promotes 'ethnic chauvinism' and racial resentment toward whites while segregating students by race.'"The first problem is that these "ethnic studies" programs are the only place where minority students can get a comprehensive history of their ancestors. When I was in elementary school, black history in the larger history books consisted of Harriett Tubman (she helped free slaves) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (he led the Civil Rights Movement) -- pretty insufficient.
Contrary to belief, American isn't a melting pot. Rather, we demand that people assimilate -- which adapting to "the American Way." But even as people of color, we are constantly reminded (particularly in today's political climate) that we are different and in the eyes of those who largely hold power, inferior. As such, ethnic studies is a necessary part of educating students. (Not to mention that there are non ethnic students who take these courses as well because they want to expand their knowledge -- isn't that what education is supposed to be all about?)
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