Mandatory Arabic Classes Coming To Mansfield

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Your rational basis for opting out of learning English or math is what, exactly?  

It is exactly the same as your "rational basis" for opting out of any other language: I don't see any (except, possibly, xenophobia, in your case).

I guess that Spanish is arguably a more relevant language to learn than Arabic, since it's more widely spoken in the US doesn't count.  Or that I don't expect to go to a liberal arts college, so I'd be better off taking an occupational education class instead of any language doesn't count.

My supposed xenophobia is obviously the answer.   Because wanting more choice isn't politically correct, and anyone who opposes the education bureaucrats one-size-fits-all agenda is a racist.

Come on Cynic. Would you or the vast majority of parents who railed against this have been remotely as upset if the language chosen for mandatory instruction was, say, German? Or French?

But Arabs are inferior people!

(I know he'll report this post)

[memphis]

This thread reminded me of something we used to do in school when I was a kid. Every May, as part of a larger citywide festival, Memphis honors one country. In elementary school, we would study that country, learn a few words in the native langauge, learn about their culture etc. One year it was Kenya, one year France, etc. We weren't learning to be Kenyans. We learned about Kenya. Nothing terribly intensive, but everybody agreed that it was a good idea to give kids a taste of life somewhere else. Yes, it was "mandatory," but it wasn't ever controversial. Curriculum doesn't always offer a million choices. I don't see what the fuss is all about, and I can't for the life of me figure out why Conservatives try so hard to portray themselves as victims.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

This thread reminded me of something we used to do in school when I was a kid. Every May, as part of a larger citywide festival, Memphis honors one country. In elementary school, we would study that country, learn a few words in the native langauge, learn about their culture etc. One year it was Kenya, one year France, etc. We weren't learning to be Kenyans. We learned about Kenya. Nothing terribly intensive, but everybody agreed that it was a good idea to give kids a taste of life somewhere else. Yes, it was "mandatory," but it wasn't ever controversial. Curriculum doesn't always offer a million choices. I don't see what the fuss is all about, and I can't for the life of me figure out why Conservatives try so hard to portray themselves as victims.

Multiculturalism begain creeping into schools years ago?  OH NOEZ!!!11!!

[Torie]

Is this thread worth reading Gramps?  Just asking. 

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Is this thread worth reading Gramps?  Just asking. 

No, it died long ago, Torie