The world will always have a hard time moving forward if it doesn’t open itself to education, other cultures, and a willingness to accept things that might feel foreign to us. When a student’s mother showed a closed-minded attitude towards learning about Islam in class and thought posting about it on Facebook publicly was a good idea, she learned that it was, in fact, she who was a little behind in her thinking.
Tara Cali responded with anger when she found out that her son was being taught about Islam in class and posted about her anger on her local broadcaster’s website (KGET TV 17). Her son was being asked to complete homework on the five pillars of Islam. The homework assignment also contained a QR code that, when read by a cell phone, would let students listen to a Muslim call to prayer from the Blue Moswue in Istanbul.
The mother wrote on the homework assignment that:
“My son WILL not be part of this in any sort of way. This is bad teaching material. He will NOT partake. If you have a problem with it, call our lawyer… “
She further noted on the post that:
“This is the seventh graders schoolbook here in Bakersfield for history. This is the assignment that accompanied it.”
The photo did go viral before being deleted but not in the way she was hoping. Support for lessons that educate children on various religions quickly became the top-rated comments, and it became clear that her voice was in the minority.
One commenter, Eryn Tyler, noted:
“Let me first say, I’m a Christian, but I feel like you’re taking this a little far. This is apart of World History. It’s not to force religion upon your child… Remember that the teaching method is standardized. So that’s a California thing. So good luck trying to find a different school that’s NOT going to teach that textbook in this state.”
Another commenter, Taylor Nousch, explained the same train of thought further:
“The only thing I see here is how closed minded you are. I’m not very religious but last time I checked, Christianity promoted forgiveness, understanding, treating others with respect, and do unto others as you wish to be done unto you.”
The outpouring for support for education that expands beyond traditional ideals proves that people are supportive of cultures that are unlike their own, and while extremists do get publicity that tarnishes their religion, it’s important to understand various cultures and religion to be a well-rounded person in modern day society.
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