Racism lessons

Re “‘Parent’s domain’ ” (Your Views, Nov. 8), and “‘Little Johnny’ ” and “Critical race theory” (Your Views, Nov. 13): Letters such as these highlight both the ignorance of many voters and the skillful use by Republican candidates in the last campaign to gain victory for their agenda.

Their goal appears to be, as in so many other parts of American life, to deny the facts before them. Yes, there was and even is to this day slavery around the world.

The United States required a Civil War to end only a part of this slavery. A review of contemporary Confederate constitutions proves that the South withdrew and that slavery, not states’ rights, was the major reason.

Young students should learn that slaves were not cheerful in their condition. Older students should study facts about how racism and sexism have and do play a part in the condition of many people today, not some imagined inferiority of non-white supposedly Christian males.

David Murphy tells us that we are only going through bad chapters. Ask Black veterans whose families were victimized by Jim Crow laws and lynching, who were denied the benefits earned by white veterans who fought for America, never more bravely than African Americans.

Ask prospective homeowners how it feels to be redlined out of purchasing the best properties.

Ask Trayvon Martin, George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery how this chapter is reading for them.

Space prevents me from listing more facts, but proper schooling provides the time and context. This is what frightens recent so-called patriots.

Regardless of censorship efforts, the lessons will continue.

Jeff Cobb, retired teacher, Chesapeake