Everything is bigger in Texas . . .

and, apparently, dumber now thanks to a revision of the social studies curriculum.

This is ironic as I'm reading Neil Postman's The End of Education. Postman's views are quite conservative, and he wants American schools to return to the intended idea of the melting pot concept that should be taught in our schools.

The intended idea of the melting pot concept is to celebrate diversity as well as celebrate the new recipe formed from all of the various ingredients. He makes a wonderful point when he states that often times multiculturalism, which sprang up as a reaction to the unintended consequence of the melting pot concept where the dominant Anglo-Saxon culture absorbed the minority cultures. As a result, fewer of the individual ingredients were celebrated instead of the status quo. Multiculturalism sought to celebrate the differences but its unintended consequence seems to be an excuse for the minorities to see the Anglo-Saxon culture as the villain. Ultimately, multiculturalism becomes far more exclusive and divisive than the original melting pot idea.

This relates to Texas' absurd (and overly conservative) revision of their social studies standards because they are practicing multiculturalism in reverse. I guess you could call it the revenge of the Anglo-Saxon Christian far right.

Why not look at the curriculum and standards as Postman suggests: neither liberal or conservative - instead view our great nation as comprised of many smaller parts and groups. All seeking their version of the great American dream.

But at least education - and real discussion of historical figures, events, and issues - is being talked about. That's not bad at all.