Download Correcting the Portrayal of Hinduism in California Textbooks

Correcting the Portrayal of Hinduism in
California Textbooks
Textbook Reform Initiative
The need to understand and respect all religions has never been more important. Much
of that understanding begins in education. That is why it is so essential that school
textbooks convey accurate descriptions about all religions. Misrepresentations and
errors in the text can cause significant harm, especially for American children who are
members of minority religions which may not be well understood by teachers and other
students.
The American Hindu community, from all regions of the country and all sectors of
society, has grave concerns about the descriptions of Hinduism in the sixth grade
textbooks and the curriculum in California public classrooms. Extensive, months long
review has determined that even the most common tenets of Hinduism are described
inaccurately within the texts. These errors perpetuate ignorance, negative stereotyping
and prejudice. American Hindu children consistently experience difficulty and frustration
using textbooks that give the wrong information and the wrong impression of their
religion.
No American child should endure the pain and difficulty of having his or her religion
taught in an inaccurate way. All Americans are entitled to a truthful presentation of their
religion so that we can ensure that the next generation of Americans will grow up free of
prejudice, proud of their heritage, and fully able to contribute to a strong and healthy
America.
Ensuring accuracy in California is essential. Textbooks approved by California are then
used in other states in this country. We are calling on the California State Board of
Education to ensure that all the inaccuracies of Hinduism in the sixth grade text books
are corrected and that this information be conveyed to all publishers.
The Vedic Foundation
Hindu Education Foundation
The following are representative examples of errors on Hinduism in 6th grade
History-Social Studies textbooks.
Incorrect:
Our Comment:
Recommended
Corrections:
MacMillan/McGraw-Hill p.243:
“Cattle were a prized
possession because they
provided meat, milk, and butter.”
Distorted view of Hindu
culture.
“Cattle were a valuable
possession because they
provided milk and butter and
were of great help in farming.”
Irreverent towards Hindu
forms of God.
Delete this statement.
Inaccurate statement,
sensationalizing Hindu
worshiping practices.
“A second section of the Vedas
explains in great detail how the
rituals are to be performed.”
Perpetuates
misconception that
Hinduism is a polytheistic
faith.
“Hindus believe there is one
God who has many forms.
Three of these forms of God are
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.”
Delete last sentence.
Makes a mockery of
Hinduism’s revered
personalities.
“Hanuman loved Rama so much
that he is present every time the
Ramayana is told.”
Oxford University Press p.92:
“Durga and Kali are terrible and
extremely bloodthirsty forms of
this goddess.”
Holt, Rinehart, Winston p.152:
“A second collection of Vedic
texts describes secret rituals
that only certain people could
perform. In fact, the rituals were
so secret that they had to be
done in the forest, far from the
people.”
Harcourt p.388:
“Hindus believe in many gods.
The most important Hindu gods
are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.”
Oxford University Press p.87:
“The monkey king Hanuman
loved Rama so much that it is
said that he is present every
time the Ramayana is told. So
look around – see any
monkeys?
The Vedic Foundation
Hindu Education Foundation