(January 20, 2022 at 3:47 pm)HappySkeptic Wrote: The problem with discussions like this is that actions of stupid people become "what the other side wants to do".
That isn't true. IA has agreed that calling everything CRT isn't correct, and the lefties on here agree that dividing students in "oppressors and oppressed" is just f'ing stupid.
So, why is the Florida law happening? If it was just to stop maverick teachers from doing the "oppressors and oppressed" thing, it would be justified, with the proper wording. However, that isn't it - the purpose is to shut down any discussion of racial injustice.
Now, what parts of racial history should be taught, and to what grades, and how should it be taught? I don't know. There is room for discussion there. I think the "politics of victimization" on the Left, while understandable, isn't going to have to have the desired results. It is going to lead to resentment and backlash. For the Right, the politics of "white victimhood" is also not going to end well - that leads to more oppression and violence (by their side) and division.
Just be frick'n honest about the past, assess the realities of the present, and work toward opportunity for all. That is valid whether we are talking about white/black, immigrant/non, rich/poor, healthy/disabled, etc.
I don't necessarily agree with the Republicans take on this, but to steelman their position the best I probably can, I assume they are thinking that with what they've already seen taught to young children about the current racial climate, that teachers can't be trusted with this subject at all and that it's better left to the parents to explain this all to their own children. I can understand that line of thinking, although when I was in school, we were taught not be be bullies or judge people based on differences, and I think that was a good thing. I certainly do not agree with the suppression of teaching history either. We certainly need to continue teaching history.