To Kill a Mockingbird

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

Well there's your problem right there, the book came out when you were 78.

lol

[Anonymous]

Never, mine has only read a few clasics in school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

By your own states criteria the book is still as relevant today as ever.

The book tells the story of racism and oppression in this country from the perspective of children - racism and oppression are inflicted on all children because neither is a natural state into which children are born, they must be educated into racism and oppression and that’s core to the book.

The book is also about childhood grief, and the sufferings of abused and neglected and abandoned children.

And it isn’t a white savior narrative. There would not have been a black lawyer in Macon at the time, it’s not like Tom had a choice in this regard and as already stated, Atticus doesn’t save anybody, he just serves as a cog in a twisted and broken system.

There is so much of value to teach in TKAM, and always will be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

By your own states criteria the book is still as relevant today as ever.

The book tells the story of racism and oppression in this country from the perspective of children - racism and oppression are inflicted on all children because neither is a natural state into which children are born, they must be educated into racism and oppression and that’s core to the book.

The book is also about childhood grief, and the sufferings of abused and neglected and abandoned children.

And it isn’t a white savior narrative. There would not have been a black lawyer in Macon at the time, it’s not like Tom had a choice in this regard and as already stated, Atticus doesn’t save anybody, he just serves as a cog in a twisted and broken system.

There is so much of value to teach in TKAM, and always will be.

THIS. Ever since COVID and BLM, people are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee. They say, “This book was written by a white woman about black issues.” And um yeah, that’s what made it so radical. Almost no one in the Deep South during the 60s who was white AND a woman would dare write a book calling out racism in America. Harper Lee basically became a hermit bc of all the hate she received from white people. TKAM is essentially the same as putting your profile pic as a a trendy black box during Covid only TKAM isn’t just a bandwagon fad… it helped facilitate a lot of GOOD that came out of the Civil Rights Movement. Does it use the N-word? Um yeah because how else can you show the true volatility of the racist characters in the book? The book would not be the same if the evil characters in the book just said “oh that mean black man.” Swear words are used for characterization and are ALWAYS associated with the antagonists in the book.

The book is a classic and will always be. The people and kids who champion against TKAM either 1) have never read it or 2) want to start problems in order to seem more woke than the next person.

This society truly appalls me.

To answer the OP… TKAM is a 9th grade text but depending on which school you teach is depending on if you will get canceled for teaching it. Truly a shame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

By your own states criteria the book is still as relevant today as ever.

The book tells the story of racism and oppression in this country from the perspective of children - racism and oppression are inflicted on all children because neither is a natural state into which children are born, they must be educated into racism and oppression and that’s core to the book.

The book is also about childhood grief, and the sufferings of abused and neglected and abandoned children.

And it isn’t a white savior narrative. There would not have been a black lawyer in Macon at the time, it’s not like Tom had a choice in this regard and as already stated, Atticus doesn’t save anybody, he just serves as a cog in a twisted and broken system.

There is so much of value to teach in TKAM, and always will be.

THIS. Ever since COVID and BLM, people are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee. They say, “This book was written by a white woman about black issues.” And um yeah, that’s what made it so radical. Almost no one in the Deep South during the 60s who was white AND a woman would dare write a book calling out racism in America. Harper Lee basically became a hermit bc of all the hate she received from white people. TKAM is essentially the same as putting your profile pic as a a trendy black box during Covid only TKAM isn’t just a bandwagon fad… it helped facilitate a lot of GOOD that came out of the Civil Rights Movement. Does it use the N-word? Um yeah because how else can you show the true volatility of the racist characters in the book? The book would not be the same if the evil characters in the book just said “oh that mean black man.” Swear words are used for characterization and are ALWAYS associated with the antagonists in the book.

The book is a classic and will always be. The people and kids who champion against TKAM either 1) have never read it or 2) want to start problems in order to seem more woke than the next person.

This society truly appalls me.

To answer the OP… TKAM is a 9th grade text but depending on which school you teach is depending on if you will get canceled for teaching it. Truly a shame.[/quote/]

*9th grade text in MCPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought this book got banned?

All the more reason to read it.

Fair enough, but it wasn’t banned. It was taken off required reading lists because of the white savior narrative. It’s widely available if anyone wants to read it, and it can engender great discussions about race and perspective.

Well he failed to save him! So it was a failed white savior narrative

This is KEY and sadly overlooked.

Tom was never going to be found not guilty. Atticus is the savior, notwithstanding the outcome of the trial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

By your own states criteria the book is still as relevant today as ever.

The book tells the story of racism and oppression in this country from the perspective of children - racism and oppression are inflicted on all children because neither is a natural state into which children are born, they must be educated into racism and oppression and that’s core to the book.

The book is also about childhood grief, and the sufferings of abused and neglected and abandoned children.

And it isn’t a white savior narrative. There would not have been a black lawyer in Macon at the time, it’s not like Tom had a choice in this regard and as already stated, Atticus doesn’t save anybody, he just serves as a cog in a twisted and broken system.

There is so much of value to teach in TKAM, and always will be.

It's not clear and shouldn't be assumed that the book is as valuable to a child born in 2016 as it was for a child born in 1980.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

By your own states criteria the book is still as relevant today as ever.

The book tells the story of racism and oppression in this country from the perspective of children - racism and oppression are inflicted on all children because neither is a natural state into which children are born, they must be educated into racism and oppression and that’s core to the book.

The book is also about childhood grief, and the sufferings of abused and neglected and abandoned children.

And it isn’t a white savior narrative. There would not have been a black lawyer in Macon at the time, it’s not like Tom had a choice in this regard and as already stated, Atticus doesn’t save anybody, he just serves as a cog in a twisted and broken system.

There is so much of value to teach in TKAM, and always will be.

THIS. Ever since COVID and BLM, people are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee. They say, “This book was written by a white woman about black issues.” And um yeah, that’s what made it so radical. Almost no one in the Deep South during the 60s who was white AND a woman would dare write a book calling out racism in America. Harper Lee basically became a hermit bc of all the hate she received from white people. TKAM is essentially the same as putting your profile pic as a a trendy black box during Covid only TKAM isn’t just a bandwagon fad… it helped facilitate a lot of GOOD that came out of the Civil Rights Movement. Does it use the N-word? Um yeah because how else can you show the true volatility of the racist characters in the book? The book would not be the same if the evil characters in the book just said “oh that mean black man.” Swear words are used for characterization and are ALWAYS associated with the antagonists in the book.

The book is a classic and will always be. The people and kids who champion against TKAM either 1) have never read it or 2) want to start problems in order to seem more woke than the next person.

This society truly appalls me.

To answer the OP… TKAM is a 9th grade text but depending on which school you teach is depending on if you will get canceled for teaching it. Truly a shame.

I don’t believe most people in MCPS are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee not do they discount the TKAM is a good book. What they seek to do is explore other books and authors that can teach the same lessons and let the same ideas be explored. In particular a more diverse set of authors who present the story from the point of view of those upon whom racism and injustice as been inflicted.

Certainly there are folks out there generally who want to demonize TKAM. However, just because it’s no longer the quintessential book assigned doesn’t mean there is a problem with the book, author, or the new books assigns in its place.

[Anonymous]

Neither of my kids read it and I am very upset about it. One went to Westland, one to Silver Creek.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Neither of my kids read it and I am very upset about it. One went to Westland, one to Silver Creek.

Go to the library.

Print a study guide.

Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

By your own states criteria the book is still as relevant today as ever.

The book tells the story of racism and oppression in this country from the perspective of children - racism and oppression are inflicted on all children because neither is a natural state into which children are born, they must be educated into racism and oppression and that’s core to the book.

The book is also about childhood grief, and the sufferings of abused and neglected and abandoned children.

And it isn’t a white savior narrative. There would not have been a black lawyer in Macon at the time, it’s not like Tom had a choice in this regard and as already stated, Atticus doesn’t save anybody, he just serves as a cog in a twisted and broken system.

There is so much of value to teach in TKAM, and always will be.

THIS. Ever since COVID and BLM, people are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee. They say, “This book was written by a white woman about black issues.” And um yeah, that’s what made it so radical. Almost no one in the Deep South during the 60s who was white AND a woman would dare write a book calling out racism in America. Harper Lee basically became a hermit bc of all the hate she received from white people. TKAM is essentially the same as putting your profile pic as a a trendy black box during Covid only TKAM isn’t just a bandwagon fad… it helped facilitate a lot of GOOD that came out of the Civil Rights Movement. Does it use the N-word? Um yeah because how else can you show the true volatility of the racist characters in the book? The book would not be the same if the evil characters in the book just said “oh that mean black man.” Swear words are used for characterization and are ALWAYS associated with the antagonists in the book.

The book is a classic and will always be. The people and kids who champion against TKAM either 1) have never read it or 2) want to start problems in order to seem more woke than the next person.

This society truly appalls me.

To answer the OP… TKAM is a 9th grade text but depending on which school you teach is depending on if you will get canceled for teaching it. Truly a shame.

I don’t believe most people in MCPS are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee not do they discount the TKAM is a good book. What they seek to do is explore other books and authors that can teach the same lessons and let the same ideas be explored. In particular a more diverse set of authors who present the story from the point of view of those upon whom racism and injustice as been inflicted.

Certainly there are folks out there generally who want to demonize TKAM. However, just because it’s no longer the quintessential book assigned doesn’t mean there is a problem with the book, author, or the new books assigns in its place.

Isn’t the actual problem is that if we teach TKAM properly the people who think it’s “quintessential “ and who have “fond memories” of the book will be upset about teaching it from all perspectives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

By your own states criteria the book is still as relevant today as ever.

The book tells the story of racism and oppression in this country from the perspective of children - racism and oppression are inflicted on all children because neither is a natural state into which children are born, they must be educated into racism and oppression and that’s core to the book.

The book is also about childhood grief, and the sufferings of abused and neglected and abandoned children.

And it isn’t a white savior narrative. There would not have been a black lawyer in Macon at the time, it’s not like Tom had a choice in this regard and as already stated, Atticus doesn’t save anybody, he just serves as a cog in a twisted and broken system.

There is so much of value to teach in TKAM, and always will be.

THIS. Ever since COVID and BLM, people are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee. They say, “This book was written by a white woman about black issues.” And um yeah, that’s what made it so radical. Almost no one in the Deep South during the 60s who was white AND a woman would dare write a book calling out racism in America. Harper Lee basically became a hermit bc of all the hate she received from white people. TKAM is essentially the same as putting your profile pic as a a trendy black box during Covid only TKAM isn’t just a bandwagon fad… it helped facilitate a lot of GOOD that came out of the Civil Rights Movement. Does it use the N-word? Um yeah because how else can you show the true volatility of the racist characters in the book? The book would not be the same if the evil characters in the book just said “oh that mean black man.” Swear words are used for characterization and are ALWAYS associated with the antagonists in the book.

The book is a classic and will always be. The people and kids who champion against TKAM either 1) have never read it or 2) want to start problems in order to seem more woke than the next person.

This society truly appalls me.

To answer the OP… TKAM is a 9th grade text but depending on which school you teach is depending on if you will get canceled for teaching it. Truly a shame.

I don’t believe most people in MCPS are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee not do they discount the TKAM is a good book. What they seek to do is explore other books and authors that can teach the same lessons and let the same ideas be explored. In particular a more diverse set of authors who present the story from the point of view of those upon whom racism and injustice as been inflicted.

Certainly there are folks out there generally who want to demonize TKAM. However, just because it’s no longer the quintessential book assigned doesn’t mean there is a problem with the book, author, or the new books assigns in its place.

Isn’t the actual problem is that if we teach TKAM properly the people who think it’s “quintessential “ and who have “fond memories” of the book will be upset about teaching it from all perspectives.

DP. I do think the user accusing people of wanting to "terrorize" Harper Lee (who can't be terrorized because she's been dead for years) demonstrates a problem with trying to teach books that people treat with this kind of reverence. I like TKAM, I'd teach it if I were an English teacher, but you can't teach it without letting people express their genuine opinions about it. If your response to differing opinions is going to be "you haven't read it" or "you're just trying to start problems," then leave it on the shelf.

[Anonymous]

I had to read Madam Bovary in HS. Graduated in 1988. I hated that book. I don't understand why I had to read that book. I would've rather have read TKAM.

So called "classics" change over time, however.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two kids have not read it in any class.

It has fallen out of favor because of the white savior narrative.

Yeah, I think the curriculum in many places—not just MCPS—has shifted toward reading about racism and/or oppression from the perspective of the people it’s inflicted upon.

Although I graduated from HS in 1900, took advanced/AP classes all through middle and high school, did an English minor in college, and I’ve never read TKAM. Sometimes I feel like I have, because it used to be so ubiquitous; and people seem to love the movie as well. I guess that’s why I’ve never felt the need to read it (or watch the movie).

By your own states criteria the book is still as relevant today as ever.

The book tells the story of racism and oppression in this country from the perspective of children - racism and oppression are inflicted on all children because neither is a natural state into which children are born, they must be educated into racism and oppression and that’s core to the book.

The book is also about childhood grief, and the sufferings of abused and neglected and abandoned children.

And it isn’t a white savior narrative. There would not have been a black lawyer in Macon at the time, it’s not like Tom had a choice in this regard and as already stated, Atticus doesn’t save anybody, he just serves as a cog in a twisted and broken system.

There is so much of value to teach in TKAM, and always will be.

THIS. Ever since COVID and BLM, people are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee. They say, “This book was written by a white woman about black issues.” And um yeah, that’s what made it so radical. Almost no one in the Deep South during the 60s who was white AND a woman would dare write a book calling out racism in America. Harper Lee basically became a hermit bc of all the hate she received from white people. TKAM is essentially the same as putting your profile pic as a a trendy black box during Covid only TKAM isn’t just a bandwagon fad… it helped facilitate a lot of GOOD that came out of the Civil Rights Movement. Does it use the N-word? Um yeah because how else can you show the true volatility of the racist characters in the book? The book would not be the same if the evil characters in the book just said “oh that mean black man.” Swear words are used for characterization and are ALWAYS associated with the antagonists in the book.

The book is a classic and will always be. The people and kids who champion against TKAM either 1) have never read it or 2) want to start problems in order to seem more woke than the next person.

This society truly appalls me.

To answer the OP… TKAM is a 9th grade text but depending on which school you teach is depending on if you will get canceled for teaching it. Truly a shame.

I don’t believe most people in MCPS are on a crusade to terrorize Harper Lee not do they discount the TKAM is a good book. What they seek to do is explore other books and authors that can teach the same lessons and let the same ideas be explored. In particular a more diverse set of authors who present the story from the point of view of those upon whom racism and injustice as been inflicted.

Certainly there are folks out there generally who want to demonize TKAM. However, just because it’s no longer the quintessential book assigned doesn’t mean there is a problem with the book, author, or the new books assigns in its place.

Isn’t the actual problem is that if we teach TKAM properly the people who think it’s “quintessential “ and who have “fond memories” of the book will be upset about teaching it from all perspectives.

DP. I do think the user accusing people of wanting to "terrorize" Harper Lee (who can't be terrorized because she's been dead for years) demonstrates a problem with trying to teach books that people treat with this kind of reverence. I like TKAM, I'd teach it if I were an English teacher, but you can't teach it without letting people express their genuine opinions about it. If your response to differing opinions is going to be "you haven't read it" or "you're just trying to start problems," then leave it on the shelf.

Teachers are too afraid or unable to teach… white savior complex, limited viewpoint, Ewells, etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought this book got banned?

All the more reason to read it.

Fair enough, but it wasn’t banned. It was taken off required reading lists because of the white savior narrative. It’s widely available if anyone wants to read it, and it can engender great discussions about race and perspective.

Well he failed to save him! So it was a failed white savior narrative

This is KEY and sadly overlooked.

Tom was never going to be found not guilty. Atticus is the savior, notwithstanding the outcome of the trial.

Tom was shot multiple times in the back while running away from guards. How exactly did Atticus save him? Atticus himself says he knows he isn’t going to win on appeal; he knows what he is up against. There was no saving.

If anything, the book shows the failure of the white community on two levels: Tom’s initial conviction (when he was so clearly not guilty) and then at his death by the hands of prison guards.

I’ve taught the book. It’s quite the indictment of the white community on Maycomb (and the US at large).