Hmm now, Philip has an interesting point. The KKK is not history; nor are neo-Nazis / "skinheads". It is alive and well. Hmm.

Had a comment wondering about Christopher Columbus in our curriculum. My wonderful textbook (gag!) gives us the basic story we all know and learned in about 3 or 4 paragraphs, then transitions into other explorers. I, however, cover CC showing both sides. There's a great Biography video on the man by A&E that discusses both sides - the genius sailor and the harsh slave-entrapper. I cover him during the whole Renaissance unit. Anyway, the kids' assignment this year was to prepare an argument for a fishbowl discussion (basically organized chaos) on the question "Does Christopher Columbus deserve a day of recognition?" I would say out of 60 kids, 2/3rds felt strongly that he does not, OR we should call it "New World Discovery" day to acknowledge that yes, it was an achievement - but rather than giving CC all the credit.

Rather enlightened for 12-year-olds, I thought. But don't get your hopes up for the future - today I read journal entries that the majority of them would, if they had been King or Queen of France at the start of the Revolution, kill all the revolution leaders and start a Reign of Terror early on to squash the insurrection. Nice.