Educators Imposing their Political Views

Today started off, as any other. Ordinary, boring, and average. I will often find myself sulking my way through school and day to day activities. But something that happened today in class really caught my eye. So, before we go on, I'd like to ask you a question. Is it right for public educators to be expressing and imposing their views on students?

Of course, I strongly believe that the answer is no. The role of the educator is simply that. To educate. To inform students about important issues, as well as to teach students about important historical events. In no way do they have the right to actually encourage any student to feel one way or another about a certain issue. But one of the many problems with our educational system is exactly that. Teachers attempt to impose their will onto students, and force students to feel one way or another about certain topics. Today, I experienced this problem first-hand. My American History teacher, had just begun a lesson into the forming of the two major political parties. Democrat, and Republican. He then went on and on and did the usual lecture and we, of course, took notes. However, you can imagine my surprise when he actually began to express how he felt about certain topics. It all began with the discussion of Obamacare. I expected him to explain the plan, and what it entailed, nothing more, nothing less. However, for whatever reason, he felt the need to relentlessly bash those against the plan. Now, keep in mind, I am an independent, so I in no way felt personally offended by his remarks. The teacher began to call those opposing the plan, "Stupid", "Dumb", and "Idiots". Regardless of political affiliation, I strongly believe that one should not be using these kinds of judgments in a classroom. I can fully understand how he has this right, detailed under the first amendment. But we must ask ourselves, is this really appropriate? Should we not allow these students to make their own decisions, and make their own impact? Is it right to be taking advantage of these young minds? I believe, that the answer should be no.

I went home and thought pretty deeply about this small event. So I encourage you to do the same. Next time, whether you are a student, or your child is a student, when you see this taking place, please realize what is happening. Do not allow yourselves to be forced to think a certain way. Be an independent thinker, and make your own decisions. So, I'd like to end this post with a quote by Khalil Gibran. "Life without liberty is like a body without spirit"

Take Care,
Political Police