Selling homeschool curriculum makes me sick

HuffPost, by Heather Stark, on Oct 29, 2023, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/homeschool-conference-curriculum-girl-empowerment_n_652445c9e4b0102e6962fd39

The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.45.2 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Cindy Plaza, Jimmy Jr. and Aaron Jensen

Panelists Kelley, Cindy, Jimmy Jr., and Aaron delve into Grace and Grit‘s Heather Stark's distinctive homeschooling narrative, exploring the complex interplay of feminism, religion, and far-right politics.

Kelley emphasizes feminism's positive impact, particularly in challenging religious circles that perpetuate the subjugation of women. He illuminated how religion shapes expectations, reinforcing gender roles that depict women as inferior.

Jimmy Jr. then underscored the clash between feminism and religious conservatism, citing an incident where a woman demands a God-centric discussion in the article. He also discussed challenges faced by Heather Stark and B in their effort to empower girls through the history of legendary women at homeschool conferences.

Cindy critiqued homeschooling's unregulated nature, decrying it as a breeding ground for unscrupulous individuals and groups. She lamented the system's allowance for rampant capitalism and widespread suffering.

Aaron challenged the perception of the Bible as an ultimate moral authority, urging critical examination of morally questionable teachings. Responding to Cindy's concerns about regulations, Aaron advocated for necessary safeguards to prevent exploitation and unethical practices, condemning the lack of regulation in homeschooling and highlighting the influence of lobbying groups like The Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

In the article, Heather reflected on the disturbing presence of far-right political ideologies at homeschool conferences, expressing concerns about indoctrination. She questions the inclusion of right-wing political philosophy in a space intended for homeschooling.

Jimmy Jr.'s expressed his views about right-wing hypocrisy, supporting small government only when it aligns with their views. Another concern being the infiltration of right-wing ideologies in homeschooling, emphasizing the dangers of indoctrination.

The panelists commended Heather and her organization for challenging societal norms in their curriculum. This underscores the importance of critical thinking, education regulation, and resistance against political and religious indoctrination in homeschooling. The panelists encourage readers to explore Heather Stark's article for a firsthand account of the impact of religious conservatism and the war on woke in education.

In a follow-up, Jimmy Jr. contacted Heather Stark from Grace and Grit for an update. Within 48 hours of the article's publication, Grace and Grit received notice that they were no longer welcome at events. Heather remains determined, and is launching a podcast, planning to attend secular events, and using their newsletter to advocate for women. This insight reveals both the organization's resilience and determination.

Here at The Non-Prophets we wish Heather and B all the best.