Should The Secret Life of Bees be Taught in Schools
Updated: Jun 6, 2022
Should we change the books covered in the Ontario Curriculum?
The Secret Life of Bees is a great book that perfectly illustrates the discrimnation against people of the black community and the need for love, warmth and comfort. But does this mean it should be taught in schools today? If not, why might this novel have been taught in schools in the past? What possible purpose of reading this story in particular?
Why should The Secret Life of Bees be taught in schools?
The Secret Life of Bees demonstrates the irrationality of racism by not only portraying black and white characters with dignity and humanity but by also demonstrating how Lily struggles with—and ultimately overcomes—her own racism. Even though it may talk about some controversial topics, I believe we can’t solve a problem without confrontation.
Why might The Secret Life of Bees have been taught in schools in the past?
The Secret Life of Bees takes place in the segregated South and in American history. Sue Monk Kidd’s novel covers the struggle of black Americans living in a society that did not accept them as equals. The novel might have been taught in the past because it talks about and brings awareness about black African-American history. Studying Black history is important because it provides context for how we got to where we are today and a deeper understanding of the issues we still face in this country. Many of our present cultural and political issues are not new but rather are unresolved issues from the past.
What is purpose of reading The Secret Life of Bees?
The purpose of The Secret Life of Bees was to tell a story of racism from a different perspective. Most stories known today, are those of colored people who were subject to discrimination from the white people of the past.
So in a nutshell, The Secret Life of Bees may be a controversial book,but these controversial topics it covers how much society today has changed compared to the segregated society back then.
Tune in for the nect blog :)
References: “The Importance of Learning Black History Year-Round + Our Favorite Black History Resources.” The Importance of Learning Black History Year-Round + Our Favorite Black History Resources – WhatupHomee, whatuphomee.com, https://whatuphomee.com/3-reasons-to-teach-black-history-year-round/. Accessed 6 June 2022.
“The Secret Life Of Bees Author’s Purpose.” The Secret Life Of Bees Author’s Purpose, www.ipl.org, https://www.ipl.org/essay/The-Secret-Life-Of-Bees-Authors-Purpose-PCSAB5GM8SM. Accessed 6 June 2022.
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