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On January 25, 2006, the
Wall Street Journal published Defending the Faith. New
Battleground In Textbook Wars: Religion in History, By
Dan Golden 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.
January 26, 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.
Sincerely,
Mihir Meghani, M.D.
President, Hindu American Foundation
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