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Our country is still in shock over what happened this week. I homeschool three of my children ages 15, 13, and 10. I want to present and discuss the issue of hate and cultural differences but I'm trying to create a balanced approach. I want to present what I feel are the right ideals, but I don't want to leave out opposing viewpoints. How can I be balanced and still advocate my parental preference? Maybe I didn't express that clearly enough, but I hope you know what I mean. Any suggestions on resource material?

By Nathan (Homeschool) on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 09:17 pm: Edit

This is truly what homeschooling is about- teaching from current events and times.

I think it is really important to present only the facts of the case. The facts are already grueling enough as it is, no need to exaggerate the situation. Rumors or unproven reports are best left to the news media. You could talk about what effect this has had on this country-what these attacks have done to the morale and resolve of the American people (possibly bringing up Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City, etc. as examples of how Americans have pulled together). You might mention that there is a great push to punish those responsible for these acts, but that we shouldn’t act prematurely; we should wait to make sure everything has been investigated fully.

Many homeschoolers are deeply religious. If that is the case with you, religion might play a role in the discussion. How one should treat the victims, the perpetrators, and how one should act in times like these are all good points to be made.

As for presenting the opposite side, that gets much trickier. There are certain nations or groups of individuals who dislike the role America has or has not played in the world and in their nations. Many in the Arab states hate America’s role in the West Bank. As a result, people take their anger out on American targets in acts of terrorism and kidnappings (which are happening in the Philippines).

Finally, I personally think that while it seems that those most likely responsible are of Islamic persuasion, I think it should be stressed that these are radical Islamic fundamentalists and that most Islamic people are against this sort of violence and treachery. In my opinion, retaliation against innocent Arabs in this country is just as bad as what these terrorists have done to us.

As for resources, the TV, newspapers, history books, and any religious documents you feel compelled to use would certainly be a great starting point for discussion.

By Catherine in California on Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 07:20 am: Edit

Thank you very much for your analysis, Nathan. My instincts are to do almost everything you suggest. The one area that continues to bother me, however, is how to properly balance my presentation of America's role in other nation's affairs.

We have historical documentation that the CIA and other factions of the U.S. government have done things to destabilize and cause upheaval in foreign countries. Our involvement in Iran, with the Shaw, is a good example. Had we not supported his regime, our countrymen would not have been held hostage for 440 days back in the late 1970s.

My concern is that I do not want to hide the truth from my children, but at the same time I want them to develop pride in their country. Some schools (and textbooks) present a more liberal view of American history. In your homeschooling experience studying history, have you encountered these "ugly" sides of American activities? If so, how did your parent(s) present the facts to you? Thank you again for your opinions and comments.

By Roger (Roger) on Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 09:14 am: Edit

Hi, Catherine, welcome to College Confidential. Speaking from a more general (not just homeschool) perspective, I think there are some people who want to dwell on the relatively small number of negative aspects of American history - it sounds like you don't want to be one of those! By and large, the USA has been a very positive force - whether it was saving the world in World War II, or helping much smaller entities like South Korea, Grenada, and Kuwait. (I've been to all three of those countries, and the people I spoke to all acknowledged the debt they owed to the U.S.) Internally, of course, there have been problems - slavery, the interning of Japanese-Americans, segregation - but in each case, these behaviors were eventually rectified. I think we Americans learn from our mistakes, which is one of our greatest strengths.

Whether in a classroom or a homeschool setting, I'd recommend dealing with America's occasional errors honestly, but also note how they fit into the context of the time. America didn't invent slavery. It was brought to our shores by the colonial powers; it reflected the common beliefs of the time, however misguided they were from today's perspective. These beliefs changed, and we eventually fought an incredibly bloody civil war to end slavery. I think we have a lot to be proud of as a country - indeed, our strength, pride, and integrity are what make us a target for terrorists. They know they won't be able to reach an accommodation with us as they might with, for example, the French. We are a symbol to the rest of the world, and thus an inviting target.

Good luck!

By George Meany on Thursday, September 13, 2001 - 05:16 pm: Edit

Roger, as you may have noted from some of my other posts here, I'm not freely lavish with my praise. However, your synopsis of America's role in history is just what my daughter may be looking for. She's doing a paper on evolutionary trends in Western governments.

May I have your permission for her to either paraphrase your post or cite it exactly, giving, of course, full source credit in either instance? Thanks, Roger. I appreciate your articulate insightfulness.

By Roger (Roger) on Friday, September 14, 2001 - 09:42 am: Edit

George, please e-mail me and I'll give you the address of my intellectual property attorney so you can work out the details.

Just kidding, of course - she's free to use these ideas, but please be sure she's doing her own work!