That's not the America that I know.
In fact, as a former High School teacher, it was never
the E-word that gave problems. It was the G-word.
Even when spoken in a completely
historical/educational context, students were very
quick to point out that religion was a no-no in class
(and these were not very intellectually sophisticated
students - the educational program in which I taught
was called "Alternative to Expulsion").
The notions that America is somehow regressing,
returning to the dark ages, because of religious
fundamentalism, and that there is this rampant
religious fanaticism in our public and higher
education system, are ludicrous! I am not defending
religious fundamentalism - I am a non-religious
agnostic. I am simply correcting apparent
misinformation! In fact, if there is any fanaticism,
it is from the opposing view!
all the best,
Scott
--- SQUONKSTAIL@aol.com wrote:
> Hello All,
> Is it just me? Or are any other members of the org a
> tad worried about the
> continuing rise of religious fundamentalism in the
> USA?
>
> Teachers are now careful to avoid mentioning the E -
> word for fear of phone
> calls in the night, lawyers turning up with their
> pupils, and threats of
> spending eternity in damnation. etc.
>
> Just when i felt media attention was unwarranted,
> American friends of mine -
> one of whom is a teacher - precipitate ripples of
> real concern about the
> extent to which this is developing.
>
> 'Intelligent design' is the new science friendly
> term for creationism. The
> failures of Kansas have been learned and new
> pressure to make the teaching of
> creationism law in Universities has begun in Ohio,
> home of the largest
> University in the US.
> During the Vietnam war home guard troops murdered
> students on Ohio University
> campus for doing little more than protesting. Now
> the students arrive on
> campus knowing little about Darwin and primed to
> view teachers who discuss it
> as heathens.
>
> From an MOQ perspective this is all rather
> disturbing?
> I hesitate to use the word disturbing but i find it
> describes how i feel.
> The saddening thing for me is that just as a
> wonderful thinker such as Pirsig
> comes along, the US slips further away from quality.
>
> With hopes for the future,
> Squonk.
>
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