Buddy's Place
American Exceptionalism Is History With Blinders On
RECEIVED Tue., Jan. 26, 2010
Dear Editor,
Re: “Conservatives Take Another Swing at Social Studies” [News, Jan. 22]: I attended this hearing and was pleased that most people there want textbooks to be more diverse with more minorities and most are against the proselytization of one religion. But I was shocked by the comments of some people, mostly from Dallas and Houston. They're against public schools teaching about the past injustices of minorities, stating that we should not try to be "politically correct" by adding them to the curriculum. Several spoke about promoting the theory of American exceptionalism. This nationalist propaganda declares that the U.S. is special and superior to all other countries and is above international law. This concept tends to ignore the killings of Native Americans and Mexicans for their land and the slavery of blacks! Fortunately, board members Mavis Knight and Mary Helen Berlanga immediately pointed out to them the hypocrisy and absurdness of their statements. It is very sad and unfortunate that there are still people today that want to remain ignorant about Texas' dark history. Only until we learn the truth can we truly move forward as a more intelligent and humane society. Such a future would certainly be brighter and more peaceful for our children.
Re: “Conservatives Take Another Swing at Social Studies” [News, Jan. 22]: I attended this hearing and was pleased that most people there want textbooks to be more diverse with more minorities and most are against the proselytization of one religion. But I was shocked by the comments of some people, mostly from Dallas and Houston. They're against public schools teaching about the past injustices of minorities, stating that we should not try to be "politically correct" by adding them to the curriculum. Several spoke about promoting the theory of American exceptionalism. This nationalist propaganda declares that the U.S. is special and superior to all other countries and is above international law. This concept tends to ignore the killings of Native Americans and Mexicans for their land and the slavery of blacks! Fortunately, board members Mavis Knight and Mary Helen Berlanga immediately pointed out to them the hypocrisy and absurdness of their statements. It is very sad and unfortunate that there are still people today that want to remain ignorant about Texas' dark history. Only until we learn the truth can we truly move forward as a more intelligent and humane society. Such a future would certainly be brighter and more peaceful for our children.
Anita Quintanilla