What answer did you get? If memory serves me, my kids didn’t always jump back with any particular answer. The old joke is that, more often that not, kids say, “Nothing.”
When I was in high school I took a deep dive into my older sister’s record collection and became fascinated by sixties folk singer Phil Ochs. I was creating a radio play for an AP US History project and Ochs’ music and lyrics hit me like a ton of bricks. One song (written by Tom Paxton and popularized by Pete Seeger) nudged me to think hard about my years of education to date.
“What Did You Learn in School Today?” Song by Tom Paxton, Performed by Pete Seeger*
How old were you when you realized that not everything you learned in school was true? How did you feel? What did you do about it?
Life is full of opportunities to learn new things. As an adult you may discover new artists and musicians, learn about recent scientific discoveries or newly-unearthed facts about historical figures. In most cases those experiences bring with them exhilaration or the joy of discovery. They are the fruits of a curious mind.
Unlearning is harder.
Are policeman always our friends? Does justice never end? Do murderers always die for their crimes? Is war not so bad and do we always win?
Or, in the same vein, does talking about race create racism? Do our children all receive equal treatment at school? Is the best curriculum one that is devised primarily by white people? Do police treat all people with equal respect?
This Saturday our community is invited to come and unlearn together at the Unlearn University Annual Conference. The Conference is an initiative of the Anti Racist Education Alliance.
Welcome to UnLearn University Annual Conference!
Join us for a day filled with insightful talks, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. Our event brings together thought leaders, educators, activists, advocates and students eager to unlearn and reframe what they've been taught by society and conventional curricula.
At UnLearn University, we believe in challenging conventional wisdom and embracing new ideas. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious learner, our conference offers something for everyone.
Don't miss this chance to expand your knowledge, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain fresh insights. Come prepared to unlearn, relearn, and grow with us!
It can be hard to unlearn. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. It is also deeply rewarding. Unlearning is not a one and done, any more than learning is. It is a process. Wherever you are on that path this workshop (and other events by AREA) will welcome you and support your journey.
Have you ever needed to unlearn something? What was it like?
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
One of my favorite days in the Spring comes when this year’s list of Farmer’s Markets is released. That happened this week. New this year are markets in Old Ellicott City and the “Merriweather Market” which, according to the address, will be located here . I mistakenly thought at first glance that it was in the new-construction part of the Merriweather District. I find the name confusing considering its actual location. I’m going to guess that this market is an initiative of the Howard Hughes Corporation because the name seems chosen more for branding purposes than anything else. Alas, the market in Maple Lawn is gone. The thread on the markets on the County Executive’s FB page will provide you with quite the education in who actually runs the Farmers Markets vs what people often think is going on. Short answer: they are not chosen nor run by the county. Each market is an independent entity, sometimes started by community volunteers, other times supported by local businesses...
This is not a typical Saturday post. That’s because, in my community, it’s not a typical Saturday. Oakland Mills High School, after years of deferred repair, needs massive renovation. It’s pretty simple: when you don’t fix a problem it gets bigger. The school system itself said the the OMHS school building was "no longer conducive to learning" back in 2018. 2018 . But Thursday the Boad of Education voted to push it out of the lineup of important projects which will be given the go-ahead to proceed soonest. In my opinion it’s a terrible decision and sets a dangerous precedent. To explain, here’s the advocacy letter I sent in support of Oakland Mills High School. I was rather proud of it. I am writing to ask you to proceed with needed renovation at Oakland Mills High School in the most timely and comprehensive manner humanly possible. I have read the letter sent to you by the Oakland Mills Community Association and I am in complete agreement. You are extremel...
It’s a Monday in February, and if you guessed that a lot of Howard County students have the new cell phone policy on their minds, you’d be right. It will mean big changes and it will be stressful, no matter how much good we hope it will do in the long run. But on this particular Monday cell phones might not be top of mind, as amazing as that seems. Some kids will go to school wondering if they or family members will be seized by ICE. Some will fear that their parents’ employment will be purged by the ongoing rampage of Elon Musk and his cronies through Federal Government. Some fear heightened and renewed racism as programs that supprted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vilified and destroyed. Some worry that it soon won’t be safe for them to use the bathroom in school anymore. It goes without saying that some kids fear going to school every day because of the prevalence of school shootings. And look! Here’s something new to fear. That old hate group, Libs of TikTo...
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