The following letter was written following a parents school conference (student-led, of course). On her way from her daughter's English
class to her Science class, the mother was looking at some of the murals and
displays they had on the walls... some were of authors.... (the
mother inspected these closely); some were of inventors (not very many of
these); but the big one that really pushed her buttons was the one elevating
certain famous people as role models!!!!!
Follows is the letter the mother mailed to the school principal:
Role Models
Dear Mr. Plank,
When I was at the school yesterday for
my daughter's conference, I noticed in the hallway going toward Mrs. Cooper's
room a mural with the theme of Role Models. Among the "role models"
featured were Gandhi, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
The picture of Gandhi was what I
objected to more than the choice of him as role model. The picture of an emaciated old man and
the pose is not flattering at all.
If Gandhi is going to be elevated as a role model for our
schoolchildren, then let his depiction be a nice one. Secondarily, what's wrong with elevating
George Washington and people of American history as role models? I believe this is a serious oversight in
teaching our children their heritage as Americans! What about Eli Whitney, or Thomas Paine,
or Benjamin Franklin, or Abraham Lincoln??
There's more to learn about each of these important figures in history
than just what is gained from a cursory examination. Here's my big objection!!! JOHN LENNON AND YOKO
ONO. Come on, Mr.
Plank! Ultimately, YOU are
responsible for whoever put this mural up on the wall for all to see. John Lennon promulgated drug use,
lawlessness, promiscuous sex and socialism. He once even said that the Beatles were
more popular than Jesus and beer!!!
I'm sorry Mr. Plank, but this is highly offensive to me personally. If I had wanted my daughter to be
educated about the life and philosophies of John Lennon, I would have done it
myself. I plan on taking my
complaint to the school board.
Signed
Charlene
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