In the latter part of my career, I was coordinator for my high school’s International Baccalaureate Programme. By their latest definition -
A worldwide, nonprofit education program founded to give all students the opportunity to receive an education fit for a globalizing world.
Aside from a very rigorous course of studies that in my humble view prepares students for further study like no other, its underlying philosophy is the importance of a global perspective. That meant reading works and history from other countries, understanding viewpoints from somewhere other than your own small world.
If only everyone could spend some time doing this.
On NPR this morning, someone pointed out that much of the Qanon craziness comes out of parts of the country that are rural and relatively isolated. This set me thinking about how staying in your own corner, never interacting with those who have different backgrounds, cultures, and history concentrates beliefs. “Fear of the other” is a powerful tool, and it’s heartbreaking to see it hauled out once again. Social media, is indeed making the world a small place, but tragically not in the way we used to use that phrase.
Study to prepare for more study is fine, but not for everyone. Study that enables you to get work and pay the rent plus put food on the table is often more important.
ReplyDeleteIt's a crazy time in the history of our country. I am reading Obama's memoir right now and find it illuminating. I hope Mamie is safe and warm; I miss her when you don't write about her. :-)
ReplyDeleteSocial media and Covid have intersected. Click, click, click, and QAnon reeled in more than a few former malcontents with too much time on their hands.
ReplyDeleteIgnorance, wilful or otherwise, accounts for much that is wrong in the world. The only way forward is learning, experiencing, educating and understanding.
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