Fair portrayal of Hinduism |
California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and a group of 40 top academicians have sought “accurate and fair” representation of Hinduism in school textbooks, which the California State Board of Education is currently in the process of revising. Newsom`s bid is a big boost for the cause of Hindu American parents who are seeking a fair and accurate representation of Hinduism and the removal of a negative portrayal of the religion. 40 top academicians complained to the California education board that the balanced, age-appropriate approach for which they advocate has been largely achieved for the other religions, while the treatment of Hinduism is unduly negative and, as a result, presents Hinduism as being especially prone to historical wrongs and social problems compared with other religions. They will be working for a representation of India and Hinduism that is consistent with the manner in which other civilizations and religions are portrayed and is age appropriate, rather than singling out India and Hinduism for especially critical treatment. The Hindu American Foundation expressed concern that sections of the proposed textbooks portray Hinduism “inaccurately, unobjectively and in a prejudicial manner,” and if adopted, will promote misrepresentations of fact and a discriminatory bias against Hindu students in instructional materials and in the classroom.
|
|
|
|