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On January 26, 2006, the
Sacramento Bee published Hindu history ignites brawl over
textbooks, by Deepa Ranganathan regarding the representation
of Hinduism in California textbooks. HAF wrote to the editor
to stress the importance of a fair representation of Hinduism
in textbooks.
February 2, 2006
Dear Editor,
In post-911 America, it is imperative that
various cultures and religions be taught accurately, considering
the repercussions of prejudice on young minds. The social
studies textbooks in question in California are for middle
school, when students are most susceptible to stereotyping.
The majority of American children will not
meet a Hindu during their lifetime and will thus miss out
on opportunities to hear from Hindu Americans about their
views on life and history. Therefore it is even more important
for minority religions that textbooks are sensitive in their
portrayal of negative aspects, as that will be the lasting
impression formed on a student mind.
Otherwise, generations of Hindu American
youth will continue to face the common stereotype that their
5,000 year old culture and heritage is nothing but a history
of cows, caste and curry, and that they are sinners destined
for hell because they worship demonic gods.
It is unfortunate that left wing groups with
ties to India's marxist and communist parties have tied to
politicize this issue as Indian politics has nothing to do
with the education of California school children.
Sincerely,
Mihir Meghani, M.D.
President, Hindu American Foundation
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