It is fascinating to watch people who have strong feelings about something they know nothing about. I'm talking about all the fuss about "critical race theory" being taught in schools. Most who think they oppose this idea don't seem to know what it is much less that it isn't being "taught,"
By way of definition, critical race theory refers to the practice of viewing history through the lens of race. Imagine teaching the history of this country any other way. Since its inception, race and the social pyramid that sees one race on top of the power structure and others below has been the state of play. If you support changing that narrative, then you support both a skewed view of history and a dishonest one.
My decades in public education tell me that there is no way any person or body, public or private can prevent a dedicated teacher from suppressing the truth. When the door closes and the discussion begins it's only the students and their teacher. No public forums are there. They grouse about what they think is going on, but they rarely are present to see for themselves.
I'm especially amused by the right-wing folks who constantly spread fear about how teachers are brainwashing their sons, daughters, and transgendered children. What a joke. As if teenagers were so easy to convince. As one observer has pointed out, if we could do that, then perhaps we could "brainwash" them to do their homework, keep up with their reading and attend class every day.
Let's get into the heads of those who would prevent their children from learning the truth. Yes, the truth. The racial attitudes and resultant policies and conditions in this country were brutal. It's well documented. Why not examine this reality critically. What choice do we have? Who are we protecting and most importantly why?
Some parents say they don't like the way teaching and discussing these difficult topics make their children feel. OK, but wouldn't you rather they feel something than ignore or avoid something?
A sidebar to all this is the fact that a recent loss by a Democratic candidate can be laid at the feet of a remark he made shortly before election day. "Parents shouldn't tell teachers what to teach," he said. Mistake. If you know public education, then you know that at the end of the day, it's the parents who have the power. That's a given that some have to learn the hard way.
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