I want to look more closely at those elements of content in
the Magruder’s American Government
textbook that I judged to address social capital. Social capital is a societal quality
characterized by having an active, public-spirited citizenry, egalitarian
political relations, and a social environment of trust and cooperation.[1] A civics curriculum (and that includes
government classes) which is guided by the federalist theory in its content
choices should strive to support, promote, and enable social capital generally,
but specifically among high school students.
In my last posting, I made the claim that one content topic that a
federalist theory-minded course should include is material regarding community
development. On that score, Magruder’s falls short. I did mention that one potentially saving
element in the text is sporadic inserts that, if treated appropriately, could
support social capital. I indicated that
with this posting I would begin to take a closer look. I want to begin with the insert topic of
“Writing a Letter to the Editor.” The
institutionalized practice of local newspapers to dedicate space, usually on
their editorial pages, to letters from their readership is a way to encourage
and promote average citizens to voice their opinions, knowledge, and beliefs
about current public issues. It promotes
active, public-spirited citizenry.
So, how does Magruder’s treat this topic?
My concern here is to detect a bias toward a communal orientation versus
a self-interest orientation. The insert
begins with a sample letter to an editor. Let me reproduce the letter here:
Editor:
Regarding the article on additional
budget cuts to public education (“Government Proposes Slashing School Funding,”
May 9), I believe that every penny spent is a necessary investment in the
future of this community. As a junior at
Westfield High School, I know that these cuts would place students’ futures in
greater jeopardy. Last year 15 percent
of the teaching staff and 10 percent of all elective courses were eliminated
due to severe reductions in funding.
These cuts ultimately impacted the quality of our education, and that is
a sacrifice this town should not be willing to make again.
-Thomas Grey, St. Clairsville[2]
This letter couldn’t be a better example of lobbying. Take a public policy that negatively affects
your interests, manipulate the pitch so as to provide a general welfare angle,
and use language that denotes a concern for the community. Interesting, I think, is the fact that
textbook funds come out of the same pot of money as those affecting the budget
cuts referred to in the letter. Couldn’t
another example be thought of? Anyway, I
believe this example to be well within the guidance of the natural rights
construct – a construct that promotes self-interest.
And here, following this sample letter, is the
introduction: when writing a letter to
the editor choose a topic that affects
you and your community. The rest of
the insert lists steps you should take in writing your letter: briefly summarize the issue, explain your
position, make a suggestion, and identify yourself. Given this advice, there would never be
letters from middle class citizens about the plight of the poor or what we
should do about undocumented citizens or the space program. These issues are too far removed from a
typical individual or community. In
short, in terms of writing to the editor, I believe Magruder’s is far less than a promoter of community development and
basically presents the topic as just another way to help students get what individually
advances their self-interests.
Note: Since the
inception of this blog, my postings have been on Mondays and Fridays. Starting with my next postings, due to other
activities, my posting days will be Tuesdays and Fridays.
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