Arizona Passes A Law That Bans Ethnic Studies Classes!

Have you heard about Arizona's latest law? Well,they are now concerned about ethnic studies being a part of their curriculum.They claim that these type of classes"promote resentment"of other racial groups.It seems peculiar that most Arizonians don't believe that their new immigration law"promotes resentment"of other racial groups.

Here's more from the L.A Times:

"A bill that aims to ban ethnic studies in Arizona schools was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Jan Brewer, cheering critics who called such classes divisive and alarming others who said it's yet another law targeting Latinos in the state.

The move comes less than 20 days after Brewer signed a controversial immigration bill that has caused widespread protests against the state. The governor's press office did not return requests for comment Tuesday evening.

HB 2281 bans schools from teaching classes that are designed for students of a particular ethnic group, promote resentment or advocate ethnic solidarity over treating pupils as individuals. The bill also bans classes that promote the overthrow of the U.S. government.

The bill was written to target the Chicano, or Mexican American, studies program in the Tucson school system, said state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Horne."(END OF EXCERPT) Read more here.

State Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Horne was on CNN tonight defending this bill that Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law.He was debating Dr. Michael Eric Dyson,a professor of sociology that specializes in ethnic studies.During the debate,Tom Horne said:

"Don't divide kids by race. Don't propagandize kids that they are oppressed & that they have no future & that they should be angry at this country. Teach them that this is the land of opportunity where if they work hard they can achieve their dreams.And teach them American history."

Well, Mr. Horne, I agree that we should teach kids American history. Not just European history throughout an entire textbook that purports to teach American history.There would be absolutely no need for ethnic studies classes if folks like Tom Horne weren't so interested in selling the American dream.American history textbooks are filled with partial history & propaganda.

Tom Horne wants to teach people how they should view America presently.I thought history was about everything that transpired in the past.Even the parts of history that you would like to stay buried should be studied.In Tom Horne's opinion,ethnic studies must be suppressed because they shed light on oppression.

Even though I tried so hard to fight oppression,somehow I have been the victim of racial oppression all too often.But,I guess you would have to get in my skin to even comprehend the dilemma I've been in.It' s easy as hell to ignore oppression when you have never been oppressed yourself.I wish that Tom Horne had it right on Anderson Cooper 360 tonight.

Unfortunately,Michael Dyson was the bearer of the awful truth.The American government has historically divided people by race.I guess Tom Horne wants me to forget all about the oppressed people that make up my familial history & focus my attention on the American dream that was denied to them & their kind for oh so long.

Well,it ain't happening Mr. Horne. Whether or not schools offer ethnic studies to my kids or not,I will teach them the dark,oppressive side of American history that my ancestors were a part of. Unlike you,I can't just focus on the myth that if you work hard you can have whatever you want in America.

Barbara Ehrenreich knows. Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is a book written by her.Even if you get rid of ethnic studies, people will still learn about oppression from books like hers.Ehrenreich's book has been studied on college campuses across the country.

It is a part of everyday life & this book points that out. It's hard for all races to achieve the American dream.But,it's even harder for black folks. That's the cold,hard truth that Tom Horne is afraid that ethnic studies classes will bring to light. He doesn't want the oppressed to realize their condition.