Category: Helpful Conversations

The Silent Curriculum: What I Wasn’t Taught in School

Introduction

The powerful lyrics of The Cars’ song, “You can’t go on thinking nothing is wrong,” resonate with me now more than ever. These words echo the sentiments I’ve carried for decades, especially when I reflect on my own educational journey. Fifty years have passed, and the realization has dawned on me: the education system failed me. This isn’t just my story; it’s a narrative shared by many who felt that their schooling did not prepare them for the world in all its complexity.

The Shortcomings of Traditional Education

Albert Einstein once expressed similar frustrations, famously noting that his teachers never taught him what he truly wanted to learn. He wasn’t alone in this feeling. In many ways, my experience mirrored Einstein’s. The curriculum was rigid, focused on rote memorization and standardized tests, rather than fostering curiosity and critical thinking. History, in particular, was sanitized, with key parts of our past either glossed over or omitted entirely.

Slavery, for instance, was a seldom-referenced word in all my history classes. The horrors and implications of this brutal institution were treated as a footnote in a textbook rather than a significant part of our nation’s history. If it hadn’t been for a real educator—one who saw beyond the curriculum—I might never have understood the importance of continuous learning or the value of the knowledge that wasn’t readily provided by the system.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

This educator offered me a piece of advice that has stayed with me: “Even if you decide not to go to college, never stop learning. When you stop learning, you begin the process of dying.” These words, echoed by the wisdom of Einstein, have guided me through life. They motivated me to seek knowledge outside the confines of formal education, to question the narrative I was given, and to discover the stories that were left untold.

It was through this self-directed learning that I came to know about the great Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia, a leader who successfully defended his country against colonial powers. I learned about Enoch, a biblical figure who is often overlooked in mainstream teachings. And I delved into the life of Hannibal, one of the greatest military commanders in history, whose story was barely mentioned in the classrooms I sat in.

The Need for Open Dialogue

Education isn’t just about the transfer of knowledge; it’s about fostering an environment where ideas can be discussed openly, where grievances can be aired, and where uncomfortable truths can be confronted. In a marriage, if there’s a gripe, it must be discussed. Ignoring a problem is like ignoring a tumor—it only grows, eventually becoming malignant. The same principle applies to education and the way we address our history.

In high school, it wasn’t until 1971 that Black History began to be taught, and even then, the subject matter was vague, superficial, and often sanitized. The silence around slavery and other uncomfortable truths spoke louder than words. This silence was not just an oversight; it was a form of complicity. By not addressing these issues head-on, the education system showed a level of indifference that left many students, including myself, searching for answers outside the classroom.

Silence and Complicity

When it comes to subjects like slavery, silence is more than just a lack of information—it’s a powerful statement. Silence in education amounts to complicity in the perpetuation of ignorance. It shows an indifference to the suffering and struggles of those who came before us, and it denies students the full picture of the world they live in.

The curriculum I experienced was more about maintaining the status quo than challenging it. It was about creating obedient citizens rather than critical thinkers. This is why it’s so important to continue learning, to seek out the stories that weren’t told, and to ask the questions that weren’t asked.

Conclusion

Looking back, I realize that my education didn’t end when I left school; it only began. The gaps in my formal education led me to become a lifelong learner, constantly seeking knowledge that wasn’t readily provided. The words of The Cars, “You can’t go on thinking nothing is wrong,” remind me that we must be vigilant in questioning the world around us, especially the narratives we are given.

Education should empower, enlighten, and challenge us. When it fails to do so, we must take it upon ourselves to seek out the truth, to learn, and to grow. Because when we stop learning, we stop living. And in a world where silence still often speaks louder than words, we cannot afford to be complicit. We must continue to ask the hard questions, to confront the uncomfortable truths, and to learn from the past to create a better future. This type of thinking should overlap our efforts to protect and prolong our great Democracy. Making America great should mean, creating a Nation of individual thinkers, not a Generation of Sheep.