Behind the curriculum debates lurks a deeper question about what it means to form citizens.
citizenship
Democracy is always fragile
Protecting it requires all of us.
The Hebrew Bible's instruction to love the neighbor appears only once. “Love the stranger” appears more than 35 times.
I was born in California. One side of my family immigrated to the United States in the early 17th century. The other side of my family arrived on tightly packed ships filled with misery and tears. We have been American for a long time. Yet, it wasn’t until a cool night in November 2008 that I felt a sense of belonging.
In recent years, debates over the appropriateness of public monuments celebrating Confederate figures have become increasingly common. Along with exposing deep racial divides, these debates have brought to light historical attitudes and structures built on enduring notions of white supremacy. While generally taking place in local contexts, they have ramifications that concern all Americans.
