Proudly preserve our shared values
RE: Feb. 15 letter "New standards make education more relevant - an opposingview"
The writer has everything backward. We need to have a national discussion on
American citizenship ... what it means ... and the necessity to fully assimilate all citizens,
whether new or already here. Instead of apologizing for our past (slavery etc.) we must celebrate how far we have come.We assume immigrants come for a better life with endless opportunities for all. And to become American. We welcome all who cherish this unique country.
Thus, we must not change our culture, values or education.
Instead we must expect newcomers to immerse fully into American culture, customs, language and civic life.
Why come to America if they don't want to be "American?"
When we visit or live in a foreign country, we eagerly immerse into their language and customs and we don't expect them to change. We instead soak up their culture.
Diversity does not unify. Melting pot does."
I have two beautiful granddaughters, with a heritage of Mexican, German, Scotch, Irish and Norwegian. What are they? American....
The most vivid example of wrong policy is Minneapolis, Minnesota. It has the largest immigrant community in the U.S. - Somalis have transformed an entire area, which is even called Little Mogadishu.
They have transformed civic governance, education, public safety and values - all assisted by misguided leaders who believed America should change instead of requiring they become fully American.
The new Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching Standards is the wrong way to address Illinois' changing demography. Whether white or nonwhite, we are all Americans and must proudly preserve shared civic values, which can only be learned in our traditional education system. I strongly reject that America is oppressive and systemically racist.
Mari MacGregor
Aurora