by Pa Rock
Former Teacher
Stand aside Horace Mann, John Dewey, and Maria Montessori, because another powerful personality is making her way to the forefront of the struggle to redefine education in America, and this cranky, old former teacher believes that the voice of Wanda Sykes is one which needs to be heard, especially as she addresses the bloody issue of school shootings.
Ms. Sykes, a comedian and entertainer, did not write a book on education or school safety, but she did address the topic in one of her comedy routines, and that riff went on to enjoy a second life on TikTok and has since flourished across social media. In a mere thirty words, the comedian cut right to the chase and identified a major hypocrisy of legislators who believe their primary purpose in public life is to exert their control, influence, and religious values over schools. Wanda Sykes said this:
"Until a drag queen walks into a school and beats eight kids to death with a copy of 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' I think you're focusing on the wrong shit."
How perfect is that!
Little Johnny's heart may swell with pride and adoration when he finds an AR-15 with his name on it under the Christmas tree as he and his family celebrate the birth of Jesus, but Lord, please don't ever let him come within fifty-feet of a drag queen or a book about diversity. Some things are just too damned dangerous for children to be around!
For those who live in cultural and educational backwaters like Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, the thirty words of Wanda Sykes would be easy and very appropriate to include on letters to any member of your state legislature, regardless of the general topic of the correspondence. And if your legislator is not a reader, there is probably someone around the office who is. Perhaps a custodian.
Let teachers teach and let students learn - in peace and safety!
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