Mexican Studies Textbook Contains WHAT?!

While we are in Brownsville (see previous "Cocaine" post), I would be remiss if I didn't mention a controversy that has arisen from a proposed textbook for use in a Mexican American studies class in that town's schools.

You would think that a textbook exploring the contributions and history of Mexican people in America and Texas would be filled with examples that are positive to young students. State Board of Education member Ruben Cortez, Jr. (D) says it isn't necessarily so.

At a press conference, Cortez said the textbook, Mexican American Heritage, "describes Mexicans as people who don’t value hard work and who only bring crimes and drugs into the country."

Are you kidding me?

The committee chaired by Cortez which was tasked with evaluating the textbook, quoted this passage in its report: "Stereotypically, Mexicans were viewed as lazy compared to European or American workers."

What?

It gets worse. Another passage: "It was also traditional to skip work on Mondays, and drinking on the job could be a problem."

And if that weren't appalling enough, there are sections which could be perceived as hostile to Catholics.

The Texas Tribune quotes one board member, David Bradley (R-Beaumont) as questioning why even have a studies class such as this in our schools. That's another topic for another time. I think it's only good civics to understand the background of people who make up your community and who you'll be working with and learning with side-by-side for your whole life.

It shouldn't be too much to ask of a school textbook to treat everybody with respect and dignity.