Today I read a very disturbing article* in World Magazine, (a Christian news magazine my family has been reading for a long time.) Apparently the Association of Library Services for Children voted to remove the name of Laura Ingalls Wilder from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, (est. 1954,) and rename it “Children’s Literature Legacy.” Why? Because she was “racist.” In her written works, Laura Ingalls Wilder displays a less than cordial attitude toward American Indians. Although this attitude is one that most Americans today would disagree with, according to the article, her attitude is more subtle than the “rationale” behind the Association’s decision suggests. Also, according to the article, although our ancestors did have racial prejudices we would find unthinkable today, they also have a good deal to teach us. They laid the foundation for our society, weather we like them or not.
I believe that in schools today, there is a lot to be desired. It appears that, while science and math are emphasized in schools today, history and English and American literature aren’t taken as seriously as they should be. While science and mathematics are important, I believe that history and literature are just as important, if not more important, and, as I said, those things seem to be pushed to the back of the bus. If I had my way, history would be emphasized, (with a particular emphasis on English and American history,) and there would also be an emphasis on English and American literature. There are things that we can learn from the people of the past, weather we like them or not. Therefore, I believe it’s important to know history and literature. We could learn from the works of C.S. Lewis and Nathaniel Hawthorne, and derive pleasure from the works of Lewis Carroll and Washington Irving. Therefore, instead of denouncing the writings of past authors, we should treasure them, cherish them, and respect them, as we should respect the past in general. We may just end up benefiting in ways we couldn’t possibly imagine.
- World August 4, 2018 (Erasing Laura)
TeawiththeDukeofWellington 
We do need these things to have a well balanced education. We can’t change the past but we learn from it. It should not be controlled or cut just because someone thinks it controversial or not politically correct for this present secular world view.
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