[Corkey]

Originally Posted by waxnrope

I cannot do multiple quotes from my phone. Your patience is appreciated. I cannot seem to make lengthy replies without the cursor jumping all around. So, succinct, and please ask for clarity.

Before I begin I wish it to be known that my approach to this subject arises from the perspective of a postcolonial scholar and as a POC. I also believe that NOT ALL white people are bad, even though I and my people have been irreparably harmed for centuries by SOME white people. It took a long time for me to get this. I also believe, and have learned through my studies of the multiplicity, the interrelatedness of things. Having said this, I will try my best to respond.

I have taught such a course, developed primarily in conjunction with a First Nation woman. And one can hardly teach every religion known to humankind. One looks upon the the culture/s of place, of the student body, and of the interests of both students and professors. We looked at current issues and prevailing problems. After spending months, and we argued, we presented our proposal. A course suitable in Berkeley, CA, might not be suitable for another city. We spent neatly half a year developing the course with various scholars from different religious backgrounds. We also had Elders and other wise people from SOME lesser known religions give thought to, and participate in the curriculum. We were determined, and it wore us out. It was difficult because we had so few models to guide us. But, yes, it is possible.

The example given by HSIN ... is that ignorant racialization or a religious issue?

Would you be able to give every school this type of endeavor? I think not, for there aren't many of our Elders left alive. Just because a white person or any one of another ethnic group studies Native Shamanism, it doesn't make them qualified to teach. Ours is just an example. I wouldn't want a Rabbi teaching Taoism, nor a priest teaching Buddhism. These are just a few examples, and I'm sure Pagan doesn't want a Roman Catholic priest issuing examples of Druidism. It just is improper and offensive to those who practice these religions.

ETA: college courses are a totally different subject, primary and high school do not have the resources of a college, nor are the students there as willing participants.
My .02