An article published by Newstar.com offers some insight into the meaning of the word ignorance. An elementary school on the campus of Grambling State University, while teaching about racism and the civil rights movement, put a noose around an elementary school child’s neck:

According to an article in the newspaper written by Justin LaGrande, posted on the student newspaper Web site some time this week, and sent to The News-Star by Ruston Daily Leader publisher Rick Hohlt, “kindergarten and first-grade students at Alma J. Brown Elementary will always remember the day they marched for equality. The children marched in protest of the imprisonment of Mychal Bell, and the seemingly racial bias shown toward blacks in a small Louisiana town.”

LaGrande wrote that while the students “marched,” they actually only circled their playground with their teachers during the event.

“Before marching, the students were taught about racism,” LeGrande wrote. “They also learned about the events surrounding the ‘Jena Six’ and their arrest.”

According to the article, teachers “had a replica noose and explained why it is such a symbol of racism. They also allowed the children to carry chains and shackles.”

The Gramblinite’s Web site Friday included a comment from a woman who identified herself as Irene Booker. She said in her posted comment, “Yes, it was a rope around the little girl’s neck. It was a (safe) demonstration as to what the rope symbolized to blacks. This was my granddaughter and she along with so many of the other students did not understand the intimidation of the noose. I held her in my arms and she knows that I would not harm her or put her life in danger. In order to understand racism one must experience it to make the connection.”

Is it ignorant to teach children about racism and it’s consequences? Not at all.

The problem with this incident is that the teachers and Irene Booker, the child’s mother, were teaching fear and anger. Is this a good idea?

Showing young children a noose and explaining that it was used to hurt people and make them afraid — which is something that all elementary-age children can understand — is perfectly appropriate. Teaching them to fear the noose is in no way productive. Even with parental approval, to put a noose around a child’s next and hold it up as if they were going to be hanged is a horrible idea.

If you disagree, please free to tell why you think I’m wrong.