Reply to How “activist” is Sheridan?

Forum Index » Private & Independent Schools

Reply to "How “activist” is Sheridan?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback and tips, it’s been valuable to me. After thinking it over, I’m less concerned about curriculum (both because I think it’s interesting and valid to focus outside the canon and also because I can fill in any perceived gaps) at Sheridan, gds or elsewhere. The issue about groupthink and intolerance of dissenting (or even slightly different) opinions is what worries me most. Of course this is also the hardest element to ascertain from the outside.

It’s not that I’m concerned that DS will end up a left-wing radical. That would be fine if it’s truly where his heart, research and lived experience leads.  It’s more that I worry he would end up with a set of “beliefs” that are not necessarily truly his own. And that if his own opinions differ from the latest progressive ideal, he will not want to deal with the fallout of expressing his real POV. (That’s the experience of the recent college grads I mentioned upthread)

Using myself as an example... I support full reproductive rights but have a “safe, legal and rare” perspective rather than #shoutyourabortion, which is more in vogue. I consider myself a feminist but despise porn and am grateful the tide is turning away from pure sex positivity. The details of what I believe don’t matter. I’m just curious if this kind of nuance is tolerated at so-called social justice schools.

When I went to school in the 80s (public), I truly had no idea what my teachers thought about political issues. My parents were dems but didn’t indoctrinate me on specific issues. My stance on death penalty, reparations, guns, trade…even the ethics of private schools (ha!) all changed as I grew up, met people, traveled, read, etc. My views have stabilized but aren’t in lockstep with any candidate or movement. I feel lucky to have had that freedom snd want the same for DS. Does that mean public school or somewhere like Sidwell/ maret that are more in the “middle”? And, yes, I understand that schools aren’t the only input for kids…but I know I really looked up to my teachers snd believe they are influential. Sorry for the saga![/quote]

OP, you are not alone. I've been wondering about the same issues and share some of your concerns. Thank you for your question.[/quote]

Training children to be activists in order to achieve specific predetermined goals is not the same thing as teaching children historic facts (some of which may not have been taught in the past) and how to think critically and analytically.

I was going to write the same.  I really appreciate lots of the responses here but mostly your perspective.   I wish I knew you in real life and could continue the conversation![/quote]

As a Black parent, I am completely flummoxed that you white parents are acting like you are so alone and isolated in these feelings. Pretty much all y'all feel this same way and it is clear. You talk about it in quiet whispers and think we don't hear you. We see all the eye rolls when this issue is raised at assemblies, meetings, chapels, etc. You're all clutching your pearls and so concerned. We know this is the topic of conversation when no one black or brown is in the room. We know you are doing everything you can to revert to the old ways, even with the Black Lives Matter sign in your front yard. This is exactly what is meant by the trite saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You think that your progressive views on the death penalty, women's rights, voting blue, support for climate change is enough. You are doing what is comfortable and easy as an upper middle class white American living in a city or suburb. Your support ends where things get uncomfortable. Your support ends where you are confronted with the difficult reality that this society was created, on the backs of others to benefit you and your kind, and you don't want to be forced to face that or have your kids face it because you know that by your own white, western belief system; once you admit and own this ugly truth, the only path forward is reparations and you and your kids potentially having a little bit less of the pie that you did not deserve in the first place. [/quote][/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics