O.K., so this is your first opportunity to grab some extra credit points because you are reading the blog. Here is how it works. Read the article from the link below and make a comment. The comment that I find to be the most insightful will receive five points of extra credit. If you comment is chosen, don't worry, you will have a number of opportunities throughout the year. Please remember to leave your full name with your post, especially if your parents chose to name you Hannah.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/22/texas-board-education-readies-textbook-resolution-vote/?test=latestnews
24 comments:
Hey Mr. O,
I know i cant get the extra credit, so i wont say much about the article, other than i think it would be a great discussion topic in TOK... but i'll leave the rest of the juicy stuff to the eager young minds.
Thanks, Logan. No points for you!
For one thing they passed the bill. I just checked the state website and a gazillion other sources. Just some interesting facts. 1 board member who voted nay was Muslim. the vote was 7 to 6. Two Democrats were not present. The 6 votes were equally Republican and Democrat. These are my thoughts. 1. The picture essentially says "just educate". My reply would be, "Without a bias how?"It also is the "point" to this article. The article seems to advocate the need to present all religions as being "happy". When the actions are against the accepted(dangerous term) interpretation, would it not be adequate to just explain that on all sides? I am not new-left but sometimes skepticism is needed.Especially of those who "believe" one thing and do another. 2. Define lines. Does this include pictures? they have an effect. 3. Is this "bias" intentional? History should be relevant if we are going to learn it. The bias looks accidental. The primary group opposing this, the Texas Freedom Network, claims that the board has ignored several other chances to try to deal with religion in history. One member claims that the act are pure cosmetic. The major Muslim member on the board finds the texts offensive. 2 members are infamous for there haggling to get Christianity shown in a positive perspective. The article points out a clear frustration by members of several religious communities. Though I will point out that there is more support than is mentioned. Also the article, and none that I have found, does not state the contents of the resolution. It makes wonder if the history makers have failed, once again, to try and just teach some things as groups. The key non cosmetic issue, quantity, I can understand. My question is, Is there quality? Or is this a piece of cosmetic propaganda, to make the texts more politically correct?
Josh Woodring
Srry about the length I got interested and did further research
This morning I was reading the news and noticed this article about the same situation.
http://fieldnotes.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/09/24/5172714-texas-urges-fix-of-pro-islamic-textbook-bias
What I found interesting is that neither articles explained the significance of the fact that Texas uses the same textbooks state wide. I think that would legitimize the articles as people could understand the significance of pressuring the publishers in this area...oh well, I won't say much more about this article.
Just to be clear, I don't think I will follow up Josh's comment at all. However, I must comment that I believe that every religion should be written equal and truthful for in our "Declaration of Independence," we have the right to our own religion. So why not give this insight to others? I also see that parents do not want their child learning muslim religion for it is in their own beliefs not to. Over all, I think all religion should be equal and taught truthful.
Colin Flanagan
Everybody is probably going to disagree with me, but I think that, yes it is a good idea to educate everybody I totally understand that. I think it is a great idea to learn about other religions and other countries to see how they work just as I see other countries should learn about us. However, I think we are paying attention to much to other countries and their customs, instead of worrying about ourselves. We are constantly helping people over-seas, helping people without green cars get benefits, and making sure other countries are happy. This is the same thing we are trying to do with the religion. I understand there are other religion in the U.S. Yes we should be acknowledging other religions but I think we should not have Christianity get lost between the cracks.
One reason that there may be more information on the Islamic religion is because many Americans, myself included, are not familiar with the practices and rituals of Muslims. Ever since 9/11, we have branded Muslims with racisim and suspicion, crying that their holy book declared holy war when in fact (if I remember from ms. a correctly) the "war" part is a misinteretation. If we are going to invade a county with a religion different than ours we need to be educated on their customs. THis knowledge and awareness could prevent arguments over simple cultural misunderstandings. In order to become global citizens, which, as IB students we are striving to do, we need to be educated about various beleif systems.
Also, no one wants to study topics that they have learned throughout their childhood. The majority of Americans know that Jesus carved 10 commandments into a stone which Christans must follow. But who amoung us know anything about the Koran?
THe double length favoring Islam might prove very useful for educating the American population about another religion.
Like Emma said, we do need to be educated about all religions and right now we are being affected the most by Islam, but there is no way that the bias could be removed from any textbook. The person writing the textbook cannot possibly know every facet of a religion, so therefore his personal views will be subtlely there at all times. The article mentions how the brutality of the jihad is skimmed over, what about the brutality of the crusades or the Spanish Inquisition? These are just as brutal and almost just as ignored in modern textbooks. Religion should be taught in equality, preferably by someone that knows it well. But again it is not possible to include every single religious practice, dogma and leader in one textbook, there are far to many. The Catholic Church, which is younger then Judaism, has 265 Popes. This would take more then one book to write just the bare essentials. How could this possibly be done for every religion that has or does exist. So right now, publishers seem to be writing about things people do not know much about, and Christianity is something most people know the basics of. And the quote "politically-correct whitewashes of Islamic culture and stigmas on Christian civilization," does have some truth. Political correctness ruins perspective, how can a person learn if they cant learn all the bad things too? If we keep worrying about peoples feelings, we could loose bits of our culture and history.
Mr O'Donnell, and everyone.
Rent the movie My Name Is Kahn from a redbox this weekend and you too will argue that we need more education about the Muslim faith.
It is incredibly powerful and I haven't even finished watching it. An aspect of 9/11 that I have never conisdered is that effect it had on our Muslim-American population and how they instanty became public enimes and targets.
I'll just say one more time, you really need to watch this movie!!!!
When I first read this article, I had many opinions come to mind. I would just like to be posting my opinion as a comment, because much of what I will say has most likely been already said. This article raises many questions which I think are extremely important. As students, this topic is of significance to us. And as the young generation, how we are taught these issues are going to change our perspectives on how to handle these problems in the future. I agree with Emma on the fact that America is mostly Christain, and I find that religion is a very personal thing, a right that we are all entilted too. However, as Americans and especially Montanans, our scope of the world is limited. Not many of us have had enormous experience with these other cultures, so isn't it IMPORTANT to educate ourselves on these cultures to prepare us to be adults in an increasingly global world? Not only in our country as we see in this article, but globally Relgion is intermingled with polticis. I don't want to claim to have all the answers, but the best thing I think we can do is present all religions as best as we can. Educate our generation on other's customs becasue we know our own so well. The thing that really got to me was the quote by Don McLeroy who said, " so it's kind of a cultural relativism." Are we revitalzing his version of Amercian culture? Or are we revitalizing the culture of many ethnicities and religions, all belonging to Americans? I would have to say this article shows a strive for the earlier.
biased cannot be erased. perhaps it can be more effectively controlled, but it is always and will always be present. This is the main point that we must remember. people in favor of looking at all religions equally in textbooks often stand so on the understanding that they can somehow present a bias-free perspective on all religions. This is impossible. I agree that they should be more equally represented. I also agree with Emma that they are teaching more on what we do not understand (even though i think that what people generally see as true "Christianity" today is totally wrong). Maybe they need to simply bring in more perspectives in an attempt to equalize the bias more. However, a huge part of bias is choosing what information to include, and there is way too much information to include it all. However, if they are looking to equalize it by putting in an equal amount of good and bad from all religions, that maybe be unrealistic and not representative of that religion--some have more positive pasts than others. It's a super grey area. Ultimately, my opinion is that teaching is not just up to the textbook. We have such things as teachers. I think that it is their job to neutralize it all a little and teach a broader, wider understanding of the past of perspectives. They shouldn't determine what the students think by showing bias, they should show a good amount of views, etc. However, we must be realistic and realize that bias is inevitable. you're not going to raise a generation in school with all the same views anyways. However, textbooks do have the ability (since we often view them as absolute fact) to greatly influence our beliefs. I agree that things should be more equalized to eliminate prejudice and unfair assumptions toward all religions. this is a free country, and we are entitled to our opinion. It should be an informed opinion. --Natalie Griffin
The more I think the more I feel that the interpreted bias isn't present. Yes most Americans are Christians or interact with Christians, and yes we are extremely egotistic as a nation; however, as a nation because of these two things we are small minded about the outside world unless it directly deals with us. Recently most of what Islam has had to do with us revolves around OPEC, Terrorism, or Palestine. It doesn't give the general Muslim a good name. I think that the texts were trying to educate us for what Islam tries to represent itself as. Beliefs plays a huge role in politics. You cannot have a truly secular nation. It think that the textbooks error was to forget/ignore explaining all the facets of the the other religions as seem relevant to the text. It does not make sense to me why the authors of World Civilizations, who for the most part didn't write about Islamic movements(One book about 12th century movements, still not Islamic in nature, instead writing about Latin America, South East Asia, and American Technological advancements) would Prioritize Islam. I think it was an accident of just trying to teach the relevant unknown. I have lived for a month with a very devout (pre-radical almost) islamic family in Srinigar, Kashmir for a month. They were some of the nicest people I have ever met.(If you don't get that just google kashmir in the news)There is a national relevance to Islam. Perhaps the textbooks were just trying to explain the unknown? - Josh
Alright well everyone sounds really smart when they leave really long commments. But to me y'all are making it to confusing. Your looking to deep. I think it's quite simple. Ever since 9/11 out country has been trying to expell Islam. Same with the whole issue of building a Mosque two blocks from ground zero. I bet this issue never would have risen if 9/11 hadn't happened.
All I have to say real quick: lol at Texas.
Now, on to the actual article:
I'd just like to say that this brouhaha is really just that: an obnoxious over-exaggeration that's being followed by the press. It's ridiculously critical. What Texas is basically saying is that we cannot be politically correct. As the article states, "The resolution cites 'politically-correct whitewashes of Islamic culture and stigmas on Christian civilization'..." basically meaning that "whitewashing" Islam undermines Christianity as a whole.
I don't understand where the whole "Islam is taking over America's young malleable minds" argument comes in. Sure, Islam is mentioned in textbooks. I'm willing to give them that. And the religion may be mentioned a few more lines than Christianity. But how does that bias the textbooks to Islam? Islam is an important part of history, to put it simply. Then Barbara Cargill comes in and says that all religions should be treated equally. Well, that's just dandy. If religions are going to be treated equally, we need to look at them in the context of history, and how much Islam played a role in various events. I agree with Kaylee in that one religion shouldn't be left to "slip through the cracks", however, in the grand scheme of things, it's ridiculous to give any two religions equal weight, because different religions impact different events, well, differently. Islam, for example, was (to an extent) the cause of 9/11, and maybe it should be discussed there. However, that's a two-sided sword in that Christianity is to blame for other atrocities such as the Inquisition and the Crusades. And, since I'm going here, atheists haven't always been that great either.
The article closes with the quote, "It's important that board members put education ahead of politics and ensure that Texas doesn't become a poster child for intolerance toward people of any faith." However, for the Board to truly put education ahead of politics, all things must be considered. As we learned from the packet we were given and the clips we watched, people and entire movements were simply overlooked for the reasoning that the Board had "never heard of him before."
I find the actions of the Texas State Board of Education to be ridiculous, especially, as Josh said, that they were actually able to pass this. The article sites specific history books and numbers of lines. However, I don’t believe any of that is as relevant as Texas’ actions in retaliation: trying to undermine and, most likely, eventually eliminate an entire religion from these United States; an entire religion with, just like Christianity, Judaism, and countless others, has its extremely bright points… and then its flaws. Flaws that we need to be aware of so that we can be functioning members of society. But more importantly, what Texas is teaching us is that it’s okay to be intolerant. This is, simply, not okay. There are so many more amazing things that any given person can do compared to if they’re being forced to wade around violence, discord, and utter hatred. For all we know, the person that will cure cancer is Islamic, and it’ll be pretty dang hard for them to work when all they’d be faced with is “Go back to your country.” and “Get out of our holy land.” and other such sayings.
In short, I think that what Texas is doing is preposterous and that they should think out their actions more than just “Our religion isn’t represented as much as that rival religion is in a textbook that should have all things considered. We just want to teach the facts.” What they’re doing will effect so much beyond just Texas, and beyond just our borders, and the Board doesn’t seem to realize this. It’s simply not smart, I’m not sure what affect it will have on the future, but at any rate, what they’re doing is just not okay, not logical, and not fair. They’re not teaching “just the facts.”
mr. o what link was it to get the study guide? i can't figure it out.
Michaella,
Go to docushare under the links page.
Extra Credit-
In reading the article and relying on only what Fox New has deiced to report the only true conclusion I have been able to glean is that in trying to be equal we have not been fair, or is it in trying to be fair we have not been equal? In the famous words of my eighth grade teacher, Ms. Cindy Galvin, “Fair is not always equal.” In trying to be fair we have throw equal out the window. Yes fair is not always equal, but equal should be kept in mind. I speculate that because we are a dominate Christian country the board members may feel that Christianity is already known about and there for balance is needed. This view is not surprising considering the discrimination of Islamic Muslims because of the tourism associated with that religious group. The truth is every religion has radicals even Christianity. I can define Christianity as a religion base upon the principle that Jesus Christ is our savior and redeemer. This is easy for me because I am Christian. If I were to try and define Judaism it would be a lot longer and far worse definition because I don’t know much about the faith. If I were to define Islam it would be even longer because I know hardly any about it. This could be where the length is coming from.
Each region has a rich and very valuable history to share with the world. Fair is not always equal, but equality does need to be consulted because religion is such a touchy subject. These board members need to realize that America is a very divers Country now anyone can see how ethnic diversity is slowly increasing. Between 1990 and 2001 Islamic population has grown 109% and is one of the top 4 religious groups (according to this web site. http://www.adherents.com/rel_USA.html). According to this same source the nonreligious group grew 110%. Obviously all people need to understand the correct unbiased history that has helped develop prominent religions groups for our day and age. No offence to Eckankarist or any other minority religion, but there is only so much room and not all religions or sects can be addressed and not all need to be in extreme detail.
Opps! I kinda got out of hand.
Ashley Schumacher
amen to jyran! we all did make it confusing but i will say religous tolerace didnt just happen in America, that's how some of the original 13 colonies were first founded and there is still persecution for religous minorities. I think if 9/11 had not have happend we would still be dealing with religous differnces and finding and equal ground.
In an unusual move for me, I am granting five extra credit points for everyone who participated prior to this comment. Although there are a scattering of historical errors (Jesus wrote the ten commandments and freedom of religion in the Declaration), I was impressed by the depth of your responses. Well done.
Mr. O
When it comes to the founders project, do you have a time period we need to look at or is it their whole lives? When we have to critique the accomplishments is it over their entire lives?
Michaella,
You should use their entire life. Hope this helps.
Is it too late to get credit for this?
heritage mauritiuskøb porno film
Post a Comment