I'm none too happy with the state of Texas right about now. And I'm not talking about our current drought or the record setting heat wave. Did somebody say 23 days of 105 or hotter? I only thought it was hot two years ago.
No, what I'm p*ssed off about is man made. Woman made. Ignoramus made.
I ranted before about how Texas' public school kids are getting lousy information when it comes to pregnancy prevention. This time it's more serious.
Here's the conversation between my son and Daring Daughter (DD). We were in the kitchen. I was cooking dinner. The kids were getting a snack. I can't remember how it started but eventually they got to arguing about safe sex.
Older and Wiser Son: Condoms prevent AIDS.
DD: No they don't. Nothing prevents AIDS.
O&WSon: Um, you're wrong. Condoms work. They work really well! Go look it up!
DD: I don't need to look it up. Nothing protects against AIDS except abstinence. That's what they taught us at school!
O&WSon: (Fanning me as I lie on the kitchen floor.) That's right, Mom. That's what they teach in school. You know, abstinence education?
How can this be happening? How can the powers that be, the State Board of Education and their mutant cronies, be allowed to perpetuate, to legislate, to TEACH to our CHILDREN information that is clearly a lie? A lie that kills?
And why are we all just lying down taking it? Do we need to wait for the next wave of HIV epidemic before we put a stop to this dangerous policy?
15 comments:
It's true...Texas has had a bad year. It's like the state has a chip on its shoulder about science (and reality).
Sounds a heck of a lot like the sex ed policy in Utah.
I'm sorry. :(
And how many people are talking to their kids about sex the way you are? Very few.
Well said! I just don't get it. Why are the inmates running the ward? Good for your son though, to challenge her on what she's being taught. I hope your didn't hurt yourself falling on the kitchen floor though :)
First off, it's really cool that you and your kids can have such frank and open conversations. I hope I'm able to do the same - so far we're off to a good start.
Second, the state of education in this state really makes me fear for our future. We are racing to the bottom and winning.
Good. Grief.
hokgardner,
While it's true that Texas has re-written history and science for its textbooks, don't forget that Tennesse has forbidden teachers to use the word "gay" or refers to "homosexuals" in any class below 8th grade. And, of course, Utah has had the lowest-paid teachers and the highest student-to-teacher ratio in the nation for decades.
So, Texas might be racing to the bottom, but it's not winning yet.
Actually, the information they gave your daughter is not entirely accurate, because even if you're abstinent you can get AIDS from thinking impure thoughts. That's what Michelle Bachmann told me at least.
One of the scary things is that decisions made about textbooks in Texas tend to roll to many other states.
Thanks for coming by!
Oh my goodness, please be joking. It's a sad state of affairs when into the second decade of the 2000's such misinformation remains alive and well.
Jeanne -- You're right. Texas is one of the largest textbook consumers. What we order tends to be widely distributed. Not a good thing given the current climate, I assure you.
Caro -- I wish I was joking. It's a very sad state of affairs that our children do not get accurate information that could save their lives and prevent unwanted pregnancy. Texas does have one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation. So abstinence only folks? It ain't working! Any one of us could have told you it wouldn't work, never has worked, and never will.
I sure hope that you and like minded parents storm the Board of Ed meetings and start making a lot of noise.
Denial. It's more than just a river in Egypt. It's the holy grail to the conservative right-winged movement.
I don't know why I let stuff like this surprise me! Kids need to know all their options, not just abstinence. Thankfully I've always talked to my kids about sex, there is no depending on the education system for that!
From today's Salt Lake Tribune:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/52537554-82/percent-utah-schools-sex.html.csp
Post a Comment