Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

America's schools: Teachers like me don't feel safe enough to return to the classroom yet

A public safety-minded police chief and truth-telling scientist frantically warn of a deadly, unseen menace. A bungling, economically concerned mayor ignores the threat and encourages people to enjoy the summer.

With paralleling themes of mortal danger versus hubris, and reason versus demagoguery, it’s clear why some have compared the 1975 film classic "Jaws" with the coronavirus experience. But in the debate over reopening schools, there’s an updated plot twist: Despite mounting dead bodies and unmitigated peril, the mayor has not only demanded that shark-infested beaches open, but has demanded, in all caps, that the town’s children and lifeguards immediately start swimming.

In the film, knowing the mayor’s reckless, shortsighted rejection of reality will have lethal consequences is dramatic irony. In real life, it is tragedy. Welcome to Summer 2020.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2020/07/13/reopen-schools-coronavirus-online-learning-classrooms-column/5427438002/

 

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