Throughline The Great Textbook War
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Mar 21, 2024 Exploring the controversial US textbook war in Ohio, the clash between conservative opposition and progressive education, and the debate on the purpose of public education. Dive into the battle over textbooks, the fight against alleged subversive teaching, and the rise of book bans in schools, shaping young minds' perception of American identity.
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Unexpected Focus on Books
- Lawrence Wu's aunt, Amy, ran for a Board of Education seat.
- During meet-and-greets, she was repeatedly questioned about books in schools, revealing a growing concern among parents.
Multilingual Past
- In 1850s Ohio, German immigrant children were taught in German.
- This reflects America's historical acceptance of multilingualism, contrasting with today's emphasis on English.
Shifting Educational Landscape
- 19th-century schools were diverse and lacked standardized curriculums.
- A shift towards English as a marker of American identity began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.