Texas legislature is trying to violate the First Amendment:

[Stevicus]

Somewhat related to this topic, as there's been some discussion about the Lost Cause myth and the history of the Civil War and the Confederate monuments, I came across this video which goes into the historiography behind the myth. The interesting thing about it is that it goes into detail of how the myth became nationalized and why it was even accepted in the North. It's also tied in with the frontier myth and concepts of Manifest Destiny, which also de-emphasizes the historical role of slavery.

 

[anna.]

It's always fascinated me how insistent the fundies (well, and even many non-fundies) are on having Moses and the Ten Commandments in schools, but apparently don't ask for Jesus and his Beatitudes, who would seem to be a much more 'natural fit' for Christianity...

The most strident of them aren't red letter bible Christians, they're more focused on Paul (with the exception of 1 Cor 13).

 

[Shadow Wolf]

We learnt about US history (though obviously not as in-depth as US citizens)

Ya know, I'll just go out on a limb and say y'all probably learned it better than most Americans. It's so heavily whitewashed, often heavily Christianized, VERY biased towards American Exceptionalism, lots of us are taught Civil War was fought over anything but slavery and taught that it's here all races amd everyone live together peacefully and are treated equally.
American education of US history, it's just too biased and ethnocentric to be in-depth.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Growing up in a WASP conservative community, I was primarily indoctrinated in American patriotism and "freedom, liberty, and justice for all," yet these concepts were never properly applied to minorities for much of American history.

Yup. Teaching how no other country has the freedoms and liberties we do, don't have it as easy or as good as we do, all living equally and free, and most of the slave revolts, discrimination, bigotry and genocide and insurrections swept under the rug to only be discovered by the serious student of US History who is studying sources far beyond the scope and intent of public schools.

 

[Revoltingest]

It's a fact that Texans are very nationalistic.
Even in Europe we know that they are very proud of being Texans. And of their identity. So they just want to underline the historical and cultural principles of their own state.
It's not imposing Christianity on children. It's just an aspect of the culture. Children are free to be atheists or not-Christians.

Do you know how to bury a Texan's body in a shoebox?
Give'm an enema first.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Not to mention being taught and indoctrinated about how evil liberalism is and how Democrats ("Demon Rats") are godless communists who are hell-bent on destroying this great Christian nation, "one nation under God," and how Christians replaced the Jews as God's chosen people and America is the promised land. I was also taught that if you don't love America and aren't patriotic, then you can get the hell out of the country. When I was seventeen, my God-fearing conservative Christian cousin (a white male) told me that I was a racist against white men because I had an African-American boyfriend. He didn't refer to the young man as African-American or black. I won't repeat the term he used or repeat any of the other vile racist tirades I heard about African-Americans, Native Americans, and other minorities while I was growing up. Nevertheless, the WASP-conservative Christians I heard spew that vile language were proud to be God-fearing, patriotic Americans. In fact, several of these God-fearing Christians weren't hesitant about reminding me of my place in their community as a female and biracial child, as well as what they thought of minorities and "half-breeds," as they looked at me with contempt.

I actually missed that because of the command to not be of this world, the belief it's going to be as Jehovah wills it anyways, it's just the lesser of the two evils anyways so praying for the winner tended to have more focus than picking the winner.
But thats just voting. They are very typical in regards to wanting the 10 Commandments displayed, schools leading in Christian prayer, and that sort of thing.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

Yup. Teaching how no other country has the freedoms and liberties we do, don't have it as easy or as good as we do, all living equally and free, and most of the slave revolts, discrimination, bigotry and genocide and insurrections swept under the rug to only be discovered by the serious student of US History who is studying sources far beyond the scope and intent of public schools.

Not to mention being taught and indoctrinated about how evil liberalism is and how Democrats ("Demon Rats") are godless communists who are hell-bent on destroying this great Christian nation, "one nation under God," and how Christians replaced the Jews as God's chosen people and America is the promised land. I was also taught that if you don't love America and aren't patriotic, then get the hell out of the country and good riddance. When I was seventeen, my God-fearing conservative Christian cousin (a white male) told me that I was a racist against white men because I had an African-American boyfriend. He didn't refer to the young man as African-American or black. I won't repeat the term he used or any of the other vile racist tirades I heard about African-Americans, Native Americans, and other minorities while I was growing up. Nevertheless, the WASP-conservative Christians I heard spew that vile language were proud to be God-fearing, patriotic Americans. In fact, several of these God-fearing Christians weren't shy about reminding me of my place in their community as a female and biracial child, as well as what they thought of minorities and "half-breeds," as they looked directly at me.

 

[anna.]

Growing up in a WASP conservative community, I was primarily indoctrinated in American patriotism and "freedom, liberty, and justice for all," yet these concepts were never properly applied to minorities for much of American history.

It's almost a guarantee that if anyone's talking about "the good ol' days" of American history when people had morals and more freedom and stuff, that the person lamenting the loss of "the good ol' days" is a white Christian.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

I actually missed that because of the command to not be of this world, the belief it's going to be as Jehovah wills it anyways, it's just the lesser of the two evils anyways so praying for the winner tended to have more focus than picking the winner.
But thats just voting. They are very typical in regards to wanting the 10 Commandments displayed, schools leading in Christian prayer, and that sort of thing.

You were fortunate to have avoided all of that, in my opinion. I recall hearing some of these Christians proclaim that they were not of this world, yet their actions were diametrically opposed to their words. Sometimes in the same conversation, they praised Jesus, thanked God for their blessings, disparaged "unruly" women and how they should be put back in their place, and vilified minorities, liberals, and homosexuals (whom they referred to as fa*s).

 

[SomeRandom]

Ya know, I'll just go out on a limb and say y'all probably learned it better than most Americans. It's so heavily whitewashed, often heavily Christianized, VERY biased towards American Exceptionalism, lots of us are taught Civil War was fought over anything but slavery and taught that it's here all races amd everyone live together peacefully and are treated equally.
American education of US history, it's just too biased and ethnocentric to be in-depth.

Damn! I forget the bias in US classrooms.
You seem to have had very bad education. I mean no offence.
Can I ask, do you guys have a nationalised or I guess a federally controlled curriculum? It’s just that we always hear of US laws and everything being different depending on the state (state rights.)
I’m sure there’s bias in ours as well. But the history I was taught (ours specifically) didn’t sugarcoat things either. Not sure what the curriculum is like these days. Maybe better maybe not.
I mean in the younger grades it was a bit. But in fairness they didn’t shy away from the horrors once we hit the late primary (which would be middle school for you guys) or early high school. Not saying it was completely truthful of course. All countries have a bit of propaganda in such topics. But still

 

[Shadow Wolf]

You were fortunate to have avoided all of that, in my opinion. I recall hearing some of these Christians proclaim that they were not of this world, yet their actions were diametrically opposed to their words. Sometimes in the same conversation, they praised Jesus, thanked God for their blessings, disparaged "unruly" women and how they should be put back in their place, and vilified minorities, liberals, and homosexuals (whom they referred to as fa*s).

That's basically where I went, minus the *** thing (they were precision clean cut and straighter than straight edge) and voting. Where I was, homosexuality, evolution, kicking god out school, I suppose it's fair to say my church had an optimistic defeatist attitude. They saw it as society wholesale turning it's back on god and marching straight to satan, but worry not because it's what the Bible says will happen as the End approaches, it's only going to get worse but it's in accordance to god's will so just carry on spreading the Word and doing Jehovah's will in your life (found through rigorous prayer and Bible study).
I wouldn't be surprised at all or one bit if this one resisted Trump because they were VERY serious about that nothing before god part.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Can I ask, do you guys have a nationalised or I guess a federally controlled curriculum?

Ready for another roller coaster?
There are individual state guidelines that must be met, however local school boards (which may or may not ban political party affiliation) have a lot of control over what is taught and how it's taught.
Amd despite this there are federal stamdardized minimums to meet for funding. So instead of property values influencing school funding we have funding based on being choosy about students amd hyper focusing on passing standardized tests.
And that's just barely dusting the iceberg of all the problems with America's public schools. Such as Texas and California being large enough consumers to influence what happens in other states, including deciding what book publishers mostly print; it's just cheaper to buy the books being printed for a state that has more students than you and next few states combined. *
*Although that being what was frequently reported and found during the Texas School Board thing, I don't know how common this actually is. It does happen, but where I went to high school did have Indiana specific text books. But that was also one of the better performing schools in the state (lots of farmers and military kids). One of the lower performing schools about a half hours drive down the highway, no I've talked to there recalls anything like that. Academically, I can legit say I did go to a good high school (though it lacked a robotics program unlike the **** high school). My year pictures though look like I should have a hockey mask on and machete raised and be covered with blood, lmao.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

@SomeRandom another goid example is the Vietnam War. I haven't really learned much about it, most of it beint what I heard from my uncle on the rare occasion he'd talk about it (and almost always drunk when he did). And then one day I talked to a Vietnamese guy about it. We were at a library, and what he taught me most likely would not be found in many of the books there on the subject. A lot of that war has been burried amd forgotten here, and it makes America look bad.

 

[SomeRandom]

Ready for another roller coaster?
There are individual state guidelines that must be met, however local school boards (which may or may not ban political party affiliation) have a lot of control over what is taught and how it's taught.
Amd despite this there are federal stamdardized minimums to meet for funding. So instead of property values influencing school funding we have funding based on being choosy about students amd hyper focusing on passing standardized tests.
And that's just barely dusting the iceberg of all the problems with America's public schools. Such as Texas and California being large enough consumers to influence what happens in other states, including deciding what book publishers mostly print; it's just cheaper to buy the books being printed for a state that has more students than you and next few states combined. *
*Although that being what was frequently reported and found during the Texas School Board thing, I don't know how common this actually is. It does happen, but where I went to high school did have Indiana specific text books. But that was also one of the better performing schools in the state (lots of farmers and military kids). One of the lower performing schools about a half hours drive down the highway, no I've talked to there recalls anything like that.

Wow. That’s….that’s complicated ngl lol

I never understood the whole “standardised testing” thing. Seems like a shortcut that does not benefit anyone. But I’m not an educator so I dunno.

Academically, I can legit say I did go to a good high school (though it lacked a robotics program unlike the **** high school). My year pictures though look like I should have a hockey mask on and machete raised and be covered with blood, lmao.

Lol!!!
One of my friends was the same. I befriended the “goth chick” in a maths class that I was mistakenly put into. I think grade 9
(Remedial class despite getting all As and Bs the semester prior. Hated math but always got good grades, weirdly.)
Damn if looks could kill lol
But she was actually really a sweetheart once you got to know her.

 

[SomeRandom]

@SomeRandom another goid example is the Vietnam War. I haven't really learned much about it, most of it beint what I heard from my uncle on the rare occasion he'd talk about it (and almost always drunk when he did). And then one day I talked to a Vietnamese guy about it. We were at a library, and what he taught me most likely would not be found in many of the books there on the subject. A lot of that war has been burried amd forgotten here, and it makes America look bad.

I think Aussies are (or were) embarrassed retroactively by how we treated war vets returning from Nam. Their PTSD was ignored, protestors called them murderers and society turned their back on them
It took a heartfelt song that contributed to the turning of public opinion. Now the Nam War is (or was at least when I was in school) taught as a horrific example of modern history and the broader context as to why Nam Vets were shunted is included.
(The song in question is “I was only 19” by Redgum. Highly recommend seeking it out. Banger of a song.)

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I never understood the whole “standardised testing” thing. Seems like a shortcut that does not benef

Basically. It's hard to prove our children is [sic] learning when it comes to information. These are one way of doing that. They aren't evem entirely useless, as they can be used for something like math. But the problem arises is America relies on them too much and our children have the crap tested out of them, mostly just to fill in bubbles.

Damn if looks could kill lol

I learned how to not just hate and avoid people, but make myself appear very intimidating, and I did scare people. Everyone who says that's supposed a great time can bugger off. I call it cruel and unusual torture. Put up with all that crap and I can't even have some shots or beer? Sit still all day hearing about blah blah blah? A cluster of people and persons who all mostly suck? And time curfews? Little money of my own? Child at home rules to follow? And no beer? People who call that great are the ones who should be locked in the looney bin.

I think Aussies are (or were) embarrassed retroactively by how we treated war vets returning from Nam. Their PTSD was ignored, protestors called them murderers and society turned their back on them
It took a heartfelt song that contributed to the turning of public opinion. Now the Nam War is (or was at least when I was in school) taught as a horrific example of modern history and the broader context as to why Nam Vets were shunted is included.

I can't recall how the troops here went from disrespect to the disrespect being considered an embarrassment. The war itself was definitely not a shame or bad or a waist because it was for the "containment" of communism. That's never changed.

(The song in question is “I was only 19” by Redgum. Highly recommend seeking it out. Banger of a song.)

Here the song Born in the USA (Bruce Springsteen), it's an anti-Vietnam War song that also portrays America in an unflattering way. It's a good song, very catchy too, and countless loonies, dumbies, morons, idiots and blockheads, backyard bozos and county bafoons amd corporate deadbeats and state imbeciles), play it at their Independence Day celebrations thinking it's a pro-America, kick *** patriotic song.

 

[SomeRandom]

Basically. It's hard to prove our children is [sic] learning when it comes to information. These are one way of doing that. They aren't evem entirely useless, as they can be used for something like math. But the problem arises is America relies on them too much and our children have the crap tested out of them, mostly just to fill in bubbles.

Ahh I see
NAPLAN introduced standardised testing here just after I graduated
So I dodged a bullet there lol
Though I think it’s only used for English and Maths. All other subjects are tested by the “old system.” Which I guess kind of makes sense since all other subjects are typically optional once you hit high school
Optional in this context being that you have to choose what subjects you wish to take. I think it’s a minimum of 5??

So like science, trade/wood shop/metal work, arts, cooking, foreign languages etc
Is it the same in the US?

Personally I think Science should be one of the mandatory subjects. But that’s just my opinion.
Having said all that, I don’t think our tests are as intense as the US. Hopefully. Yikes!

I learned how to not just hate and avoid people, but make myself appear very intimidating, and I did scare people. Everyone who says that's supposed a great time can bugger off. I call it cruel and unusual torture. Put up with all that crap and I can't even have some shots or beer? Sit still all day hearing about blah blah blah? A cluster of people and persons who all mostly suck? And time curfews? Little money of my own? Child at home rules to follow? And no beer? People who call that great are the ones who should be locked in the looney bin.

Wow. Certainly sounds like a lot of fun

I can't recall how the troops here went from disrespect to the disrespect being considered an embarrassment. The war itself was definitely not a shame or bad or a waist because it was for the "containment" of communism. That's never changed.

Funnily enough, my world history class actually taught us all about that (framing it as propaganda)
Kind of interesting in hindsight. But I guess we’re not as anti communist. International relations with China is a bit err rocky. But that’s as close as we come.
Though I wouldn’t say communism is supported here either. Maybe among Gen Z
Idk

Here the song Born in the USA (Bruce Springsteen), it's an anti-Vietnam War song that also portrays America in an unflattering way. It's a good song, very catchy too, and countless loonies, dumbies, morons, idiots and blockheads, backyard bozos and county bafoons amd corporate deadbeats and state imbeciles), play it at their Independence Day celebrations thinking it's a pro-America, kick *** patriotic song.

Oh I like that song.

And yeah that doesn’t surprise me.
I mean no offence. But we are constantly questioning whether or not the US teaches media analysis/literacy.
Here that’s part of the English curriculum and that’s a mandatory subject in all grades

 

[Shadow Wolf]

But we are constantly questioning whether or not the US teaches media analysis/literacy.

No.

 

[Heyo]

Rep. Nobel defending the bill in the committee on education:

 

[crossfire]

Cancel Culture entails that children won't study the Pilgrim Fathers at school, right?
I think that history is essential to understand what we are.

I think they should. The strife between the Puritans and the Quakers is quite eye-opening.

When Puritans tortured Quakers

It’s been a depressing week and I’m not talking about the weather or politics. It's my job. I’m pleased to join the panel for this Sunday’s New Hampshire Black Heritage Trail “tea talk” at the Portsm…

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