I don't think it is fair to criticize someone who has asked a question
with an honest desire to learn. Inexperience shouldn't be a punishable
offense. We teach our students to confidently ask questions when they
don't understand - adults should have the same opportunity, especially
in a (hopefuly) safe environment such as this listserv. Personally I
found her question entirely reasonable, but I then understood better
once I had read your argument against making the change (while deploring
your method of argument).
For what it's worth, I think the world, or at least our country, would
be much less divided if we would simply teach history, *all of it*, as
one cohesive unit, and stop segregating history lessons by
culture/racial group/ethnicity. It's a divisive approach that ignores
the beauty of the whole. Topics such as the Civil War, the building of
the Transcontinental Railroad, or the Gold Rush are perfect
opportunities for multicultural education, if only it would be taught
that way.
Cathy
--
Cathy Rettberg, Library Technician, MLIS Student
Brittan Acres Elementary School, San Carlos, CA
650-508-7307
crettberg@brittan.sancarlos.k12.ca.us
Fitzgerald Georges wrote:
>
> Karen,
>
> I realize that she requested that replies be sent to her personally, but the
> original post was sent to us all. My reply was also an attempt to clear up
> any global misconceptions about Black History month that "might" exist on
> this list. Telling me I'm not nice is ridiculous. Additionally, there was
> nothing "simple" about her question. You fail to recognize that her
> question was offensive.
>
> I suggest that you share your thoughts on the subject at hand. It would
> better serve the list. Speak truth to power and we will all benefit.
>
> Fitzgerald Georges
> Great Neck North HS Library
> 35 Polo Road
> Great Neck, NY 11023
> 516-773-1536 Tel.
> 516-773-4718 Fax
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "DEFRANK, KAREN" <KDEFRANK@GLASSBORO.K12.NJ.US>
> To: <LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 12:12 PM
> Subject: Re: Ethnic History Month?
>
> > Fitzgerald Georges,
> > Debra W. Waugh asked a simple question and asked that comments be sent to
> > her personally.
> > She wrote, "Do you think that is an offensive alteration to the concept of
> > Black History Month? Please send comments to me personally and I'll post a
> > hit if requested."
> >
> > You responded to her through 14,000 LM_NET members by saying in part
> >
> > "Clearly you have little respect or knowledge of the role that Blacks have
> > played in the formation of this country."
> >
> > That's not very nice of you.
> >
> > LM_NET is a sharing place. If people are criticised for asking questions
> > then LM_NET will no longer exist.
> >
> > You also didn't leave the required signature, so I'm not sure if I
> addressed
> > you correctly. Please excuse me if your name is not correct.
> >
> > The world needs more love.
> >
> > Karen DeFrank
> > Bullock School
> > Glassboro, NJ 08028
> > kdefrank@glassboro.k12.nj.us
> >
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