And then even in high school you are taught things that aren't totally true.
For example, when you learn about how incredible Martin Luther King Jr. was you never learn the other things about him. That he was a womanizer, and cheated on his wife. Or that he preferred white women to black women. Or when you learn about JFK you never are taught that he too was a womanizer and an adulterer. Though, his relationships are much more widely known in the public, they are hidden in the education system. I did a report on the affairs of JFK for a project once and thought it was fascinating how well they kept that from the public. And even in some southern schools they do not teach that the south lost the civil war, they teach that it is not yet over, and the south is still fighting for their honor.
Life is subjective, I know that. And I understand that we are trying to "protect" the youth from any horrors, or sadness. But I also know that knowledge is power, and ignorance is powerless. I don't think that it is a good or bad idea to teach this way, personally I don't like it, but I understand it's purpose.
Even in school you find out things that when a child you never thought possible. Like the fact that there are still groups out there in the world that are "anti-black, anti-mormon, anti-....etc.." It is amazing to also realize you have friends that support the opinions of these people. And while you try your hardest to accept people as they are and not judge their opinions it is very disconcerting. I have recently found out that I have a friend that is Anti-Mormon and her family is racist against blacks. I love her. And I have never conflicted with her because I am not her judge. I am saddened that she doesn't like Mormons because I am one, and it makes me sad that her family is racist towards blacks because both her and I are good friends with a lot of black people.
As a child we are ignorant because of our vulnerability, but as we mature we are vulnerable because of our ignorance.
Some things I don know though, are that we cannot progress without and expanse of knowledge and a drop of prejudice and judgement. "Our nation" said my history teacher, "has not disagreed like they are disagreeing now since the civil war,". I don't have a political view because I have not studied recent politics enough to form an opinion (so I am ignorant) but I will NOT make an ignorant decision as to whom I will support. I am able to vote in the next presidential election and I will be an informed voter. I will not vote because of their slogans or the t-shirts made for them. I want to be able to make a good decision in order to make a difference in the nation that I live in and love.
Sorry for the intensity of that. I know I don't usually post such controversial things, but it has been on my mind.
Love,
The Cat Lady!
