Language:
English
Year of publication:
1990
Titel der Quelle:
Commentary
Angaben zur Quelle:
90,6 (1990) 25-32
Keywords:
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Influence
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Study and teaching
Abstract:
Surveys 25 secondary-school Holocaust curricula produced in 12 states and New York City. They undertake to give students basic information and provide appropriate moral education. Criticizes most of the curricula in that they do not stress the centrality of premeditated mass murder as an instrument of policy and they omit the history of antisemitism, particularly its roots in Christian doctrine. Cites grammatical and factual errors which "reflect prevailing educational standards". Regarding moral lessons, the common pedagogic strategy is to generalize the terms of scapegoating, prejudice, and bigotry; analogies to the Nazi genocide are often imprecise and tendentious. Concludes that the primary lesson of the Holocaust is "Thou shalt not murder", yet teaching moral standards as incorporated in the Ten Commandments is seen as a violation of the separation between church and state. States that something is clearly wrong with the American system of education and standards of morality. Pp. 31-32 list the curricula examined. Two are commended as excellent (Michigan and New York State).
Note:
Appeared also in her collection "What Is the Use of Jewish History?" (1992).
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
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