While teaching high school English, a parent came to the school and filed a complaint against the English Department of racism. We were all called to the meeting including the teacher being accused of teaching racism. The accusing mother was loud and furious. The book, To Kill a Mockingbird, along with her child's teacher were her targets.
I was new and young and decided to keep my mouth shut until I realized she was referring to the movie not the book. She kept mentioning the courtroom scene. I finally asked if she'd read the book. At first, she said yes, then realizing she was in a room filled with English teachers, took the high road and admitted she was referring to the movie. The principal asked if she'd watched the whole movie.
"No!"
Her complaint was dismissed. The teacher finished her lesson, but here's the sad part: We were told not to teach it as some people might find it offensive. I taught elsewhere the following year, but didn't teach To Kill a Mockingbird. I figured the principal knew more than I about not offending needlessly. However, what a wonderul lesson lost on our youth. The point now moot: Racism is evil. The irony of this lesson I learned is to teach truth will get you fired, so cowards like me picked another book to read.
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Comments: 35
Help me get a publishing deal with a 10 rating and comment. I comment back.
Personally, I think the fact that the guy who complained runs a diversity training company ought to hve killed his credibility. Looks like he just wants to be hired by the school district to run some seminars as a result of his complaint.
Yeeesh!
Most people had read it because it was required.... only one person I've polled has mentioned it as one of their least liked book.... my 15 yo nephew.
Your story reminds me of a story I read in my local newspaper. A local pastor wants a certain series of books banned from the schools and local library because he thinks that they teach kids to be atheists. Yet he has not even read one book. People should read the entire book before opening their mouths.
And a few others.
The list goes on.
And on.
Wolfie
Please, please, please -- tell me that an English teacher did not write this sentence. You should be fired for crimes against grammar.
Lou Rountree
SHAZAM !