Tarot in the Schools

[janterry]

My daughter goes to a private school (she's a senior) and has arranged to study Tarot reading for an independent study.

As a fallibilist, I'm beside myself. Her teacher is a young Phd in postmodernism - well, English lit - from a good school
Her goal as the 'mentor' is not helping her look at it critically. They are just going to learn to 'read' the cards.

I'm really angry, embarrassed (I am!) - and sad.

I wouldn't mind so much if they were helping her think about why people want to believe this mess - or the psychology of it. Or even the history of these kinds of things.

But that's not what they are doing. Just helping her learn to read the cards (that's the 'academic' objective). They are even buying her the cards

[zaj]

1. What's the problem with one more anxiety treatment based on nothing?

Private schools teach religion all the time. They are all just imaginary solutions to our natural emotional anxieties.

I agree with you, and it seems like you as a parent have the authority to demand deeper reflection for your child, whether in school or outside.

[janterry]

2. She has an early birthday so she's

about to turn 18. They are saying to HER that I don't need to sign off on it (just pay for it, I guess).

FWIW, they also taught aromatherapy last semester (to students) as part of a 'health' class. (I didn't know that she signed up for that until it was too late).

They have done some things well - for her - but they have also drunk the all things are culturally constructed (including science) kool aid.

[blueinredohio]

3. When I went to high school ages ago

I took a class called "superstition" . It was an elective, in no way toward a career. It was fun, we got spells to try etc.

[janterry]

6. I would be very happy if they called it

superstition.

[Delmette2.0]

4. This is what I would have told my kids.

"It's ok to learn about this subject, but stay objective. Keep track of the readings and what they are suppose to mean. Then track and record the results."

It's a takeoff on science and should always be used in any situation. When my boys would bring home a new friend I would listen and observe behavior of everyone while the new friend was in my home I would warn them as needed and tell them why. They had to listen to me, just once, no nagging, and make up their own mind. All of the new friends disappeared within a week or two.

[janterry]

5. I suggested that she do that (track the readings)

but - alas - that is 'work' and the school is supporting her 'exploration' into 'spirituality'

I have to hope she comes around (she was raised by me, after all).

I'm disgusted that her 'teacher' (the woman went to a GREAT school for her phd) is supportive of this. You know, knowledge is just a cultural construct.

[Delmette2.0]

7. I'm glad you already tried.

She will come around just hang in there. It may take longer than you hope for, but it will happen.

[Backseat Driver]

8. HS or college senior?

There are worse practices for a young woman still in HS to take up in the name of "life-long learning of practical skills." One thing is for sure: Your kids will surprise you, so stay engaged with her despite the anger, embarrassment, and sadness you may initially feel for both the student and teacher! Encourage her to maintain healthy personal boundaries of body and mind as she associates with other adults ready and perhaps, in your estimation, too willing to "mentor" the process of what and how she learns, if that is your concern.

Do remember that once kids cross the magic 18, there's really a whole new ballgame of self-responsibility in adult exploration of things you might consider have little truth and/or the pseudo-sciences you might consider occult and/or metaphysical.

[janterry]

9. high school

I'm trying (and failing, lol!)

I do know that this is also part of the push-me-pull-you of growing up.

I remain angry that her school has abandoned critical thinking - which should be the schools main job

but you are right. That's just one part of the plot She's the bigger part (and this is about separation individuation, too).

[progressoid]

10. Wow, that's pretty f'd up.

Maybe after she "reads" them, she can announce that she's destined to become a serial killer or something.