Tag: Italy

Why History Matters: Learning from Europe’s Educational Approaches

On By TonyIn Education, History, Teaching1 Comment

As many of you know, I have lived and worked in Europe off and on for the last few years. When it comes to current educational standards and philosophy I feel we Arte moving in the wrong direction. As a gymnastics coach I tell my athletes that they do not start REALLY learning until they get out of their comfort zone. The same is true with HISTORY. While many states in the USA right now do not want to make any white student uncomfortable with our past, many countries in Europe take on their past head on .

​In Germany and Italy, the teaching of fascism, Nazism, and World War II is approached with a commitment to confronting historical truths, ensuring that students understand the complexities and atrocities of their past. This educational philosophy contrasts sharply with current trends in several U.S. states, where legislative measures are restricting discussions on racism, sexism, segregation, and the Civil War. Such limitations hinder students’ ability to engage critically with history, depriving them of essential knowledge and understanding.​

Educational Approaches in Germany and Italy

In Germany, the education system mandates comprehensive coverage of the Nazi era and the Holocaust. Students visit concentration camps, engage with survivor testimonies, and analyze the socio-political factors that led to the rise of Nazism. This immersive approach fosters a deep understanding of the consequences of totalitarianism and the importance of democratic values.​

Italy’s educational system also addresses its fascist past, though with some differences. Post-World War II, Italy underwent a less extensive de-fascistization process compared to Germany. However, contemporary Italian textbooks strive to present an objective analysis of Mussolini’s regime, its alliance with Nazi Germany, and the impact on Italian society. This includes discussions on the implementation of antisemitic laws in 1938 and Italy’s role during the war. ​RedditHolocaust Encyclopedia

The Consequences of Ignoring Difficult Histories

In contrast, numerous U.S. states have introduced legislation that restricts teaching about racism and related issues. As of early 2023, only California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Vermont have not attempted such bans.  These legislative actions often stem from misunderstandings about critical race theory (CRT), an academic framework that examines systemic racism within legal and social contexts. Opponents fear that CRT admonishes all white people for being oppressors while classifying all Black people as hopelessly oppressed victims, leading to bans in states like Tennessee and Idaho. ​World Population ReviewBrookings+5ABC News+5Statista+5Brookings

By limiting discussions on these critical aspects of American history, students are deprived of the opportunity to learn from past mistakes and to understand the roots and ramifications of social injustices. This educational censorship undermines the development of critical thinking skills and the ability to engage in informed civic discourse.​

IF YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY THEN YOU WOULD KNOW WHERE YOU COMING FROM. Bob Marley

The Role of the Department of Education

The Department of Education played a crucial role in setting national educational standards and ensuring that curricula are comprehensive and inclusive. Abolishing this department will exacerbate the current trend of educational censorship by removing a centralized body that advocates for balanced and thorough historical education. Without federal oversight, states may have greater latitude to implement restrictive educational policies, further hindering students’ understanding of complex historical and social issues.​

The experiences of Germany and Italy demonstrate the importance of confronting and teaching difficult historical truths. By contrast, the current trajectory in parts of the United States toward restricting discussions on racism and other critical topics threatens to deprive students of essential knowledge and critical thinking skills. Maintaining robust educational standards through institutions like the Department of Education is vital to ensure that future generations are well-informed and capable of contributing thoughtfully to society. We must do better in embracing our full history, acknowledging its complexities, and learning from it to build a more just and equitable future.​

Recent Developments in Education Legislation

https://www.reachinghighernh.org/content-item/461/nh-state-board-of-education-adopts-controversial-minimum-standards-despite-sharp-public-opposition

Chron

AG Ken Paxton sues North Texas district for allegedly teaching critical race theory

8 days agoAxiosTexas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory

7 days agoAxiosTexas Senate passes religious, anti-DEI education bills2 days ago

LOVE for a DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

On By TonyIn Elections, PoliticsLeave a comment

“Democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others that have been tried.” Winston Churchill

There is a certain love of democracy world wide. As a person who has spent a great deal of time traveling and living overseas I have seen the love and respect many have for a democratic government and a free press.

On a recent trip to my house in Italy I had time to talk to locals. When they find out I am American they usually ask me about cities and life in America. This time many wanted to talk about the upcoming American election and how it works. Honestly, explaining the US electoral college is pretty tough.

The other night I was out and ran into some friends on the street. They introduced me to their friend and of course the usual subjects came up.
– I have a cousin in Boston, do you know him?
– Did you go to your prom? Is it like movies?
– How many cars do you own?
– How can Trump be so popular?

The last question really threw me. As of this morning Trump was polling nationally at 47%. BUT still has about 50/50 chance of winning the election.

The cult that the modern GOP has become is truly frightening. In Europe the scars of the Second World War are still visible. They regret falling for a dictator. Someone who put his own needs ahead of those he was elected by.

We all want a strong leader to stand up for our country. That leader though needs to have the strength of character.

How do you judge or know someone’s character? Ask someone who worked closely with them in the past. The list of people from Trump’s previous administration who are either openly supporting Kamala Harris or NOT supporting Trump is astounding.

U.S. vice president

Cabinet-level officials

White House officials

Other executive branch officials

I understand if someone cannot bring themself to vote for Kamala Harris or a Democrat. I get that. But when the people who know him best are saying NO WAY ARE THEY GOING TO VOTE FOR HIM you should probably listen.

There is Power when we stand together

On By TonyIn Music, TeachingLeave a comment

This morning I was working out when “Learning To Fly” by Foo Fighters came on my iPhone. It has always been a personal favorite and I was really getting into it (and reminding my self NOT to sing out loud in Planet Fitness). When I got home I was looking for their video on youtube  to send to a friend as my “song of the day”.

What I came across was this:

The Rockin’ 1000. 1000 musicians play Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters to ask Dave Grohl to come and play in Cesena, Italy.

The Rockin’ 1000 organized in Cesena Italy in 2015 as a stunt to get Foo Fighters to play a concert there.  They were originally organized in a crowdfunding effort by Fabio Zaffagnini. Their initial performance in 2015 was made under the direction of Marco Sabiu.[5]

In November of that 2015 Foo Fighters came in a played a concert there!

 

Lesson- If you stand together- you can do just about anything.