Common Core Standards:"... Homosexuals Do Not Exist."

[Smarmie Doofus]

This discussion thread was locked by proud2BlibKansan (a host of the Education group).

Cross posted to LGBT forum: http://www.democraticunderground.com/113717710

Common Core: Gee thanks, guys. More LGBT invisibility?


http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/common_core_standards/

Except now it's officially part of the "national curriculum" that the Obama/Duncan/Gates consortium is forcing down the throats of the states.

So...now we're *officially* invisible? Everywhere?

I worked the FAQ/search feature at the above link... NYS version of Common Core ELA/Social Studies... to see what demographics are represented and in what proportion in the NYS version of Common Core Curriculum.

Unofficial counts:

"gay and lesbian" 0

"lesbian and gay" 0

"gay" 8 ( but 7 of the 8 are of the "Enola Gay" variety. So , effectively, let's say: 1... and I'm not so sure about the significance of that one. It looks like the entry in someone's resume.)

"lesbian" 1 ( I clicked on the doc. but couldn't find the word. I'll give 'em the benefit of a doubt.)

African American 52

Catholic 32

Jew 42 ( "Jewish" - slightly fewer)

Irish ( in the thirties)

Italian ( 40-something.)

Anyway... try it yourself. So... assuming my premise is correct.... why aren't we (and our advocacy groups) all OVER this?

I'm reminded of this quote:

"Within the typical secondary school curriculum, homosexuals do not exist. They are 'nonpersons' in the finest Stalinist sense. They have fought no battles, held no offices, explored nowhere, written no literature, built nothing, invented nothing and solved no equations. The lesson to the heterosexual student is abundantly clear: homosexuals do nothing of consequence. To the homosexual student, the message has even greater power: no one who has ever felt as you do has done anything worth mentioning." -Gerald Unks, editor, The Gay Teen, p. 5.

How is this stuff ever going to change if we don't start changing it?

I'll crosspost this to Education after I clean up the language a bit to reflect the rarified academic atmosphere that predominates there.

[NYC_SKP]

1. Bullshit alert. I'm no supporter of common core, but....

The link provided includes student samples, these samples are where I'm finding "jew" or "italian", as opposed to the presence of these terms in the *actual standards*.

Additionally, I'll bet we aren't going to see "creationism" or "evolution" among these linked PDFs.

So, we can justifiably criticise Common Core generally, or the NY state pages more specifically, but the actual linked documents would not and should not, IMO, be expected to contain gay rights or womens rights content or topics.

Sorry, just bein' real.

Also, and I am USUALLY a proponent of local control, but because modern humans move from city to city and state to state so frequently, some commonality nationwide is SMART, don't you think?

So, to that end, I think common national core standards are appropriate.

Now check this out: if all state would have to agree to adoption, guess what ISN'T going to make the cut?

Creationism v Evolution, Abortion, and Gay Rights and even Womens Rights.

So seriously....

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. Yeah, yeah. So, can you provide some actual evidence that the "actual standards"...

... recognize the existence of --- and contributions of LGBT people to human civilization ( Western, Eastern, etc. )--- in the CCC?

For example: give me ONE standard.

Give me *anything*.

[NYC_SKP]

4. Sure, as soon as you can name a particular standard that has a chance in hell of passing...

...on a nationwide level that addresses sexual preference, or creation v evolution, or other hot topics.

I don't mind finding common math standards, I don't expect states to agree to SS/History standards not in a billion years.

[Starry Messenger]

5. "Sexual orientation" is the accepted phrase.

http://www.glaad.org/reference/offensive/

Offensive: "sexual preference"
Preferred: "sexual orientation" or "orientation"
The term "sexual preference" is typically used to suggest that being lesbian, gay or bisexual is a choice and therefore can and should be "cured." Sexual orientation is the accurate description of an individual's enduring physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction to members of the same and/or opposite sex and is inclusive of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and straight men and women (see AP, New York Times & Washington Post Style).

[NYC_SKP]

6. I certainly accept the phrase, but does Texas and Utah?

I hate when people mistake points I make about other states' or groups points of view or attitudes with my own attitudes.

My point is that you/we aren't going to sell common core at all nation wide if it's going to address abortion, sexual preference, etc.

My point is NOT whether or not said terms are accepted or should be accepted, or even if common core is worth a crap.

[Starry Messenger]

7. Your point was not clear, it looked like you were using an incorrect phrase.

You might wish to put it in quotes if that might make your point better. From the way I'm reading it, it looks like you are using it yourself in lieu of the more accepted term.

My point is that you/we aren't going to sell common core at all nation wide if it's going to address abortion, sexual preference, etc.

[NYC_SKP]

8. Fuck that shit, starry messenger. I mean it, fuck. that. shit. Posting to my Journal.

Are we having to put quotes around phases to make clear one thing or the other?

Honestly, I think there may be some willful misunderstanding going on if I can't be accepted as being on the right side of issues.

Without using quotes, FFS. Is there a progressive style guide I should consult???

[Starry Messenger]

9. Are you intoxicated?

I'm a host in this forum, and I gave you the courtesy of not alerting on your post, using a phrase which mods would have deleted on DU2.

Not everyone who reads in here knows you or your views on things. If you wish to not give offense to LGBT people who read and post on DU, you should consult the GLAAD link I posted for you.

[NYC_SKP]

10. What a lovely thought.

Alert the shit, go ahead... an innocent use of sexual orientation versus preference, really???

Hey, guess what, GLADD is not the end all voice of LGBTQ.

I hate this fucking shit.

I love you, but I hate this shit.

And, really, shame on you.

There are LGBTQ human beings who embrace and even prefer the phrase "sexual preference"

Wow. just wow.

[Starry Messenger]

12. I thought you said you were using it to highlight the bigoted ideas in other states.

Now you say it was an mistake. Whichever it may be, I provided you with information in a civil manner. What you choose to do with it is purely on you.

I don't know a single LGBT DUer who would prefer "sexual preference". It is a topic that has been discussed here in GD and LGBT widely in the past.

[NYC_SKP]

13. YOU called it a mistake. I was making a point about the likelihood of CC being adopted.

The OP complains, fairly, that CC doesn't address LGBT rights.

That would be consistent with their not addressing, in my opinion, abortion rights and equal access to the polls.

My point, were one to re-read it for content, was clearly, I think, that it's not likely that 50 states would adopt common core standards in concordance beyond some pretty basic concepts like one plus one is two.

Womens' rights (I hope I phrased that right) and sexuality issues (I must be intoxicated) would be included among other divisive items like, say, evolution.

I hope I've clarified my point and I'm really sorry to have not been more clear.

[mopinko]

14. we would not have deleted it.

it may not be the most perfect expression, but it certainly doesn't rise to the sort of hatefulness that we would have deleted. go ahead and alert. see what a jury thinks.
but really, this is the kind of sidetracked personal attack that is leveled at anyone who dares to differ from the hymn book in this forum. your refusal to engage on the substance of his point while fighting a language war is why he, and most other people who try to post in this group, do not bother.
your post is the one that is a personal attack. and your wagging around of your "position" is completely inappropriate.

[Starry Messenger]

16. I fail to see the personal attack in politely trying to get someone to use left-wing language

that is commonly preferred on a progressive website. I was alarmed to see the phrase "sexual preference", as it is a term that is routinely corrected by LGBT members on DU when it is used.

I didn't alert, I took the opportunity to educate and dealt with the issue as an adult and a responsible host for all members who peruse this forum. If his point had been clear, I would not have felt the need to seek clarification and correction.

I alerted on the personal attack that ensued, but the results were in favor of NYC-SKP, which is fine. The process works and I see no further need to discuss it, since NYC-SKP is now educated on current thought on the subject. He clarified his point in the discussion in a way that is now more clear.

Thank you for your input.

[Ptah]

17. Jury results:

At Sat Jul 21, 2012, 02:16 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

Fuck that shit, starry messenger. I mean it, fuck. that. shit. Posting to my Journal.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1124&pid=2656

REASON FOR ALERT:

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. (See <a href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards" target="_blank">Community Standards</a>.)

ALERTER'S COMMENTS:

Rude and disruptive response to polite direction to use nonoffensive language when referring to minorities.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Sat Jul 21, 2012, 02:29 PM, and the Jury voted 1-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Who cares?
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Common core = No Gay Left Behind -- if you get my drift.

Leave it alone.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Ugh, grammar police.
Juror #5 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[obamanut2012]

18. Using quotes is the expected and accepted usage

If you are quoting someone or something. A lack of quotes denotes it is the author speaking. This is how some academics get in trouble for plagarism, intended or not.

And, in 2012, it is well known the term is "sexual orientation." "Sexual preference" and "homosexuality" are often used as a dog whistle. I am not saying you were dog whistling, I am just educating you.

[yardwork]

20. Nice mouth. Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?

The phrase "sexual preference" is used pretty much exclusively now by people who think that being gay is a "lifestyle choice." If you don't want to be mistaken for a homophobe, it would be wise to revise your vocabulary and use the phrase "sexual orientation" instead. This suggestion is kindly meant.

[NYC_SKP]

21. Hi, yardwork.

I appreciate your input on this. doesn't exactly match my real life experience that isn't really much of your business but is just as authentic as yours, so I would thank you in advance for recognizing, at least, that MY reality is my own, and my words, and the meanings thereof, are NOT YOUR business, really, so please back the hell off.

I don't tell you what phrases are ok, I'd love for you to keep the hell out of my life, TIA

[yardwork]

23. Unless you are gay, you don't get to tell me what is and isn't homophobic.

Unless you're coming out as gay for the first time on DU?

[obamanut2012]

24. Since Yardwork is gay, her "reality" is what is authentic

Since I am gay, my reality is what is authentic. So, yes, your definitions and meaning about OUR LIVES are our business.

My God.

[Bluenorthwest]

26. When a person says 'sexual preference' I count that person as a bigot. When they are told it is

offensive and they continue to use it, I call that person a bigot. Why? That is a bigoted, incorrect, harmful bit of right wing terminology.

[NYC_SKP]

22. Yardwork. I almost embarrassed myself. I feel really badly for you and hope you a better life.

Wow, really, that almost passed my attention.

So you want to go there, right? My mom?

OK, Hey, DU, take a look at this member who wants to bring my mother into this.

Classy, right?

Hey, here's my mom three years ago with my dad... right not she's in worse shape, needs 24 hour care.

Have a nice day, I hope you pick up 1/1000 of the class that she's got. Good luck with that.

[yardwork]

25. I'm sorry about your mom. The meaning of the phrase I used is widely understood.

I just googled "Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" and got 8,800,000 hits. The meaning is commonly understood:

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_kiss_your_mother_with_that_mouth

(rhetorical question, informal, sarcastic) Used to indicate that the other person's speech has become too obscene or vulgar.

[mbperrin]

3. Actually, there used to be some trepidation about all your eggs in one basket.

Unintended consequences tend to be a bitch.

Like China's millions of young men with no one to marry.

Like a huge shortage of skilled tradesfolk after NCLB emphasis on college-only high school prep.

Like huge database hacks that expose bank and other accounts of millions of people at one lick.


No longitudinal study has ever been performed to see if it even matters what's taught in schools in relation to happiness in life, so why are we rushing to make everyone conform?


Before we potentially blight millions of lives and cost society billions or trillions in lost productivity, would it be worth taking a look at what actually makes people happy over the course of a lifetime?

[NYC_SKP]

11. So, again, Common Core standards do not attempt to address every human grievance.

And, especially, they will not address controversial ones.

20 years ago there wouldn't be a discussion around slavery, I'd bet.

[mopinko]

15. hence the use of the term "common"

[NYC_SKP]

19. Exactly, and thank you for re-railing my original comment onto the intended track.

mucho gracias.