Dear Friends,
Depending on where you are, tomorrow is V-J day, celebrating the fact that the mass of the world’s people rose up, made shocking sacrifices, and crushed fascism, if only temporarily. Today, little note of VJ day is taken in the corporate media, perhaps because so many prominent Nazis in Germany and fascists in Japan were restored to power or brought to the USA under Operation Paperclip. The efforts of these fascists reverberate even today as we witness the reemergence of fascism, in somewhat new forms. But VJ day is a reminder that fascism shall not prevail. What is fascism?
Back to School!
For those developing literacy syllabi, remember Patrick Shannon’s outstanding presentation at the last Rouge Forum conference in Detroit, Pedagogies of the Oppressors: Critical Literacies as Counter Narratives and also linked here.
And, for audio, check out Wayne Ross’ web site where, in collaboration with Michael Baker, he is now podcasting Michael’s radio show on education and schooling. Michael’s guests include Peter McLaren, Noam Chomsky, Rich Gibson, Nancy Patterson, Prentice Chandler, and many others discussing education and schooling from a perspective that is rarely heard on the airwaves.
Visit the web site and click on “Room 101” in the menu. You can listen and subscribe to the podcasts from the site. The podcasts are also available free on iTunes. More information on the podcast and links are available here.
For those interested in the ongoing debates about how resistance can be built against war, militarism, and the enslavement of education in History circles, here is a note to the Historians Against the War, where I serve on the Steering Committee, urging openness, organization, and ethics as central to the project.
From September 7 to 19, my friend and longtime union organizer, Bob Apter, and I will be touring California, starting out from San Diego. We would like to meet with educators, students, parents, community organizers, who are interested in exploring ideas and action about schools and the wars, as well as those who are just concerned with the way teachers and kids are getting treated in an increasingly regimented environment. How are you keeping your ideals, and still teaching?
As much as anything, we want to listen to people, to learn what new teachers are hoping for, and what more experienced education workers see has changed—and what can be done. We want to meet with school retirees who can lend long-term perspectives. We also hope to connect with other anti-war coalition members along the way, to see how the work is going in other areas of the state, or around the US, so we can learn from one another.
We hope to connect with Susan Harman in mid-tour and go on to travel Northern California with her in the latter half of the trip.
In San Diego, Rouge Forum members have worked with the San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice in developing a coherent strategic plan for the year, focused on schools, the wars, and broadening the base of existing progressive groups. We started with an analysis of the particular condition in San Diego, using this as a template.
Every community is different, but the questions posed can be used anywhere.
Remember, the Rouge Forum will have a considerable presence at the National Council for the Social Studies Conference in San Diego, November 28 to December 2nd. Of special interest is a Border Tour of San Diego. We will have limited seating for this tour, so please sign on early. It will be a good time to learn about the social relations that set up life in So-Cal, and to get together with like-minded people before the convention begins. This tour is going to be terrific.
And, not for the kiddies, here is George Carlin answering the critical question: why have school?
Last, internationally known marxist scholar, Dave Hill, wants a new position. Here is his vita. Dave has earned the right to a good spot. Let’s see if we can help Dave land a great job.
Happy New School year. Remember to tell the kids: We can understand and change the world. We do not have to be missionaries for capitalism.
best, r
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