Teaching About the Thing is Not the Same as Teaching the Thing

Greetings! 

We all know that there are plenty of states out there "banning" certain reading materials or perspectives in history classrooms - most are going after anything associated with Critical Race Theory, Antiracism, and various other controversial subjects such as Intersectionalism. So I thought I would offer just a short take. Two things:

One. I understand those who are concerned with any teacher who might be taking on a particular ideological stance (from any direction) and tailoring his or her coursework and reading list to promote an agenda. From where I sit, there is no place for ideological orthodoxy in the classroom. Ever.   

Two. Still...I believe in reading books, not banning them. So when I hear that a selection from authors such as Audre Lorde or Kimberlé Crenshaw was excised from a reading list I worry that we are doing our students a disservice (I assign both of these authors, by the way, and both always encourage lively class discussion).  

Here's the thing - teaching about something...an ideology, a perspective, whatever, is not the same as teaching the thing. Think about this: when I assign a piece by Derrick Bell, I am not promoting CRT or anything resembling his thoughts on Interest Convergence Theory. In fact, I have several issues with these ideas as a lens of analysis. But I still acknowledge that it is a very important perspective, which offers interesting  and even useful ways to look at the human experience. I think my students should understand it and be able to discuss it intelligently. I see no problem with this at all. 

So...maybe my parent friends should take pause before they go on the attack when their kiddos bring home something controversial. The idea here is to learn as much as we can from as many perspectives as we can...then maybe we can better figure out the history.  

And if You're Interested...

I wrote a piece a few months back on how I deal with the 1619 Project in the classroom. Yes - I am critical. Also, I think it has a great deal of value and helps students understand a very important perspective on American history. You can read where I stand on this work by clicking HERE. 

With compliments,

Keith