It is often said, "Failure to study history only prepares you for future repeats of the same result," and since sooooo many people do not grasp the lessons of their history, I would offer, "History teaches that we do not learn from history..."
Taffy
Wow, I can't believe that is even happening to you! Addy's story is amazing and it shows a strong family that didn't get caught up in hatred. Maybe they should read the stories and see the way Addy is dressed before forming opinions. It's history (like it or not) just as WWII and the Depression were terrible times but they are part of our history.
It is often said, "Failure to study history only prepares you for future repeats of the same result," and since sooooo many people do not grasp the lessons of their history, I would offer, "History teaches that we do not learn from history..."
Taffy
This is ridiculous. Since when is educating people about American history racist?
Many elementary school teachers I know use Addy's stories to introduce the Civil War, slavery, and how awful it was. It is important for us to tackle the problems in our history so that children learn compassion and tolerance, learn NOT to be racist, and thus firmly decide they will not allow our society to have such problems again.
I can't imagine a better role model than Addy. She is by far my favorite character; her books make me cry and I've always had a special place in my heart for her. She shows such courage, perseverence, compassion, and love. She learns to forgive others, despite others' ignorance and prejudice. Yet she does not accept discrimination as right. I think the books are an excellent discussion of slavery, freedom, and how freedom did not mean (at the time) equality- and how newly freed slaves had to face all these other problems of finding jobs, facing discrimination even in the North, being separated from family, etc. I think it's a very thorough treatment of history for children's books.
How would it be better for AG to ignore problems in US history and make everything sugar-coated? How would that teach children anything?
I will add my own account- my mother is an elementary school teacher in disadvantaged schools. She used the Addy series in her sixth grade class for a number of years as part of their Civil War unit. She had many AA students and no parents or students ever complained about Addy. They loved her. My mom cried, the students cried, and everyone felt more compassion for each other because of Addy. You should have seen how excited the students were, even the boys, when I brought my Addy doll in. It was very touching- Addy was like a real person to them, inspiring them to rise above the still-lingering legacy of racism, prejudice, and pain.
I'd say that until they've read the books and materials on Addy, they should not judge her. Otherwise, they are acting out of prejudices of their own.
I have not had time to read all the respones so maybe this has been covered before, but HOW ON EARTH can they make up their minds without actually reading the books? That's just crazy. It reminds me of when I was a young girl and I was reading "Are you there God, it's me Margaret?" My mother asked me what it was about and I told her "it's about a girl waiting for her period"
My mother instantly told me "put that down, you are NOT allowed to read that!!" I was shocked. Later my mom was talking to my older sister about it and was acting horrified that I'd been able to get my hands on such a book at age 11. My sister said "what's the big deal? it's a girl anxious to get her first period and not the be last of all her friends" My mother was shocked, she thought it was about a girl who was late for her period and was worried about that. She gave the book back to me.
Just goes to show...if you don't read it, you can't really know what it says. I would challenge your coworkers to actually read the books and then judge for themselves. Addy is a girl who doesn't take the deal that life handed her...she makes her own life. I think THAT's a great lesson to teach young girls. Your life is what you make of it.
Jen [img]smile.gif[/img]
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Unfortunately, it happens all the time. People hear their friends, family, preacher, talk show host or politician say something, usually based on having not actually read the book and then parrot the comment.Originally posted by Momto3girls:
I have not had time to read all the respones so maybe this has been covered before, but HOW ON EARTH can they make up their minds without actually reading the books?
Heck, the Congress passes telephone-thick bills without those members voting having ever read through them.
Taffy
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