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Download Correcting the Portrayal of Hinduism in California Textbooks
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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