Letter of the day (Jan. 25): Washburn High incident

Updated: January 25, 2013 - 6:20 AM

America's history is messy; it's best to understand it.

hide

Ed Hashey/Bradenton Herald/MCT

Photo: Ed Hashey, Bradenton Herald/MCT

Camera Star Tribune photo galleries

Camera view larger

resize text
print
buy reprints

Tweet
share

email
Email share

your name

your email

recipients email

+ add a comment add a comment

The community meeting at Washburn High School in Minneapolis ("Washburn doll-hanging ignites public discussion, education," Jan. 24) stressed the need to better educate all students about the history that makes the incident so hurtful.

Yet many still dispute this need ("Education plan reopens divide on U.S. history," Jan. 22). Critics say the proposed revision of Minnesota's social-studies standards favor an "America the Ugly" narrative of U.S. history. They say "there is too much focus on slavery and oppression of American Indians and too little on American exceptionalism."

Isn't that the very attitude that needs to change, so that students grasp the gravity of our past to prevent a divided future? We can't have it both ways. I applaud the Washburn students, parents, administrators and community members who are pushing for a more-thorough approach.

KATIE JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS

get related content delivered to your inbox

manage my email subscriptions

resize text
print
buy reprints

Tweet
share

email
Email share

your name

your email

recipients email

+ add a comment add a comment

about opinion
The Opinion section is produced by the Editorial Department to foster discussion about key issues. The Editorial Board represents the institutional voice of the Star Tribune and operates independently of the newsroom.
Submit a letter or commentary
Sign up for the Opinion newsletter