Lise's Lens: February 23, 2023
Lise reads an archival article on the Eichmann trial, considers the scandal around the AP African American Studies program, and celebrates a huge win for the Haitian Women’s National Soccer Team.
WHAT I’M READING
- This week I dove into the archives of The New Yorker to read this 1963 article about the trial of Nazi Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem a number of years after the Holocaust. While the trial and preceding events are familiar to those of a certain age, I wonder how many of our students are aware of this fascinating moment in history. This piece came out (relatively speaking) not that long after the holocaust, when there were still a lot of deniers. This makes the story a notably strong example of what good journalism looks like. The story of Eichmann, and the way that he — despite committing horrific human rights atrocities — was able to flee and live comfortably in Argentina for so long without impunity, shows the often subtle banality of evil in this world. This is a fascinating and important read about justice.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- I have recently been thinking about the whole mess and scandal around the AP African American Studies program that was formally introduced earlier this month following a yearlong pilot. At CSW, we do not teach AP classes, but we are certainly a part of the larger conversation about what is included in the teaching of US History, which is a graduation requirement in every state as far as I know. I also think it is worth noting that there were so many voices involved in the creation and design of this course. I thought this release from the CEO of the college board was worth sharing.“This course is an unflinching encounter with the facts and evidence of African American history and culture,” said David Coleman, CEO of the College Board. “No one is excluded from this course: the Black artists and inventors whose achievements have come to light; the Black women and men, including gay Americans, who played pivotal roles in the civil rights movement; and people of faith from all backgrounds who contributed to the antislavery and civil rights causes. Everyone is seen.”
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
- I know — I talk a lot about soccer in this space — but I was absolutely thrilled to watch the Haiti women’s national team qualify for their very first World Cup this week. If you are a soccer fan, like I am, you know there is nothing quite like cheering on your home country. I thought the title of this Al Jazeera article was particularly appropriate, calling the news a “Breath of Fresh Air,” for my home nation, which has suffered through so much hardship. One thing is for sure, I will be watching a lot of soccer this summer!
CSW’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action) Committee, recently launched an initiative called CSW Action Hours. Adapted from a local racial justice organization, these action hours are meant to be a time for signing petitions, contacting local, state, and federal officials and with planning community events. They held their first Action Hours this week and together wrote 21 emails, made 3 calls, signed 22 petitions, and watched a video on protecting the Indian Child Welfare Act before taking action. I am so so proud of them and feel inspired by this exciting new initiative.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.