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February 24, 2008
Are Teachers Engaged In A Whisper Campaign?
This item from Paddy made me spit out my coffee:
Our 10-year-old sister, Amani, is in the fifth grade at Lord Baltimore, a public elementary school in Ocean View. Last Tuesday, her teacher "taught" her class that Barack Obama is a Muslim and that she would not vote for him because he does not swear on the Bible, nor recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Her teacher told the class that she is a Republican and that Barack Obama "believes in different things and is scary."
I was alarmed not just because Senator Obama is, in fact, A CHRISTIAN! But also because, my daughter's friend reported to me the exact same story about one of his 9th grade teachers who said, "Oh you're supporting Obama? That black Muslim?" If I was one of "those parents" I would be pounding on the school administration office door tomorrow morning demanding justice. But I'm not.
Here's the key to fighting this whisper campaign. DO NOT WRITE THE WORDS: "Senator Obama is a [you know]" even when refuting this lie. Just repeat "Senator Obama is A CHRISTIAN!" Which, of course, is the truth. Repeat it over and over.
More at Cliff Schecter's house here and here.
Posted By Bob Cesca | February 24, 2008 03:30 PM | DIGG ME!
Comments
Well, I would hope that those parents do everything possible to get those teachers censured, at least. I doubt they could get them suspended or fired, but it would be very appropriate.
The rightwingnuts are always ranting and raving about the way "liberal professors" are corrupting their students. I guess it's okay if it's reactionaries doing the same thing.
Posted by: bajasteve ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.bobcesca.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 24, 2008 05:52 PM
Yes, it's wrong for teachers to politically indoctrinate students. And yes, it's wrong to spread misinformation for the purpose of fearmongering.
But it's also wrong to accept slinging the word 'Muslim' around like an insult. Responding with "no, it's okay, he's CHRISTIAN!" just reinforces the idea that Christian = good, anything else = bad.
How about, "That's not true. What are you trying to accomplish by lying about his religious affiliations?" or something.
Posted by: zizabean at February 27, 2008 12:04 PM
