English Classes Turn Into Diversity Training Class

As an avid reader, someone who tries to read most of the well-known classics, I should love to visit English classes. Imagine a class where students read and discuss the great literature of the ages- Plato, Cicero, Mark Twain. Imagine students reading the great books and classic novels of the past, discussing the wisdom of our ancestors, analyzing timeless dilemmas and conflicts, being inspired by beautifully written literature, and passing on stories from age to age. What a great class that would be!

Sadly my recent visits to neighboring school districts showed me a different type of English class. In these English classes, students do not read and discuss the great literature of the ages- teachers feel that these books are racist or out-dated or un-PC or are simply too hard to read. In these modern English classes, the literature that is read and discussed is more modern day literature dominated by stories of discrimination, racism, and diversity. Students read the latest story of a black who experiences racism or something, and then discuss racism. Or they read the latest book about a woman who faces discrimination, and talk about that. Or they read about a poor person, or someone who loves trees, or some other leftist or liberal book.

The goal of English class is no longer to transmit the knowledge of the past, but now the goal of English class is to absorb the narrative of the liberal left. Students don't need to know who Tom Sawyer is or who Romeo is, but do need to know the cast of characters of the oppressed of the world and absorb the language and dialogue of the left. English class should now be called diversity training class.

A classic novel, deep in importance and history and forming the basis for many generations of America, is now thrown aside in favor of highly descriptive tales of the down-trodden of society. These choices are not meaningless. Think about the kinds of words that are read, the images that are formed in students mind, the discussions that are inspired. Are they motivated and inspired by Socrates, or by some depressing leftist jumbles of poorly written words dominated by messages prized by the liberal left?

English classes have indeed become a sad place.