Precious Knowledge Discussion Questions

The documentary "Precious Knowledge" was shocking and at the same time very interesting. This documentary also had me tearing up a couple of times too, because it is sad to know that this program was taken away from these students that felt had done something good for them. It was shocking because I could not believe a senate bill was passed to do away with the teaching of the Mexican American Studies Program from the Tucson Unified School District. However, it was interesting to learn how this ethnic studies program helped so many students by motivating them to acquire their education. All in all, I really enjoyed this documentary.

2. Why did the Mexican American Studies program come under attack and what were some of the broader issues involved?
He stated that others would want to know and study about their background and instead being one community it would be a divided community. Another reason is when the State Senator John Huppenthal stated that the students in this class were being taught to hate the American ways and disrespecting the founding fathers, when in fact they were not. It was even stated at one of the hearings by a lady that if they wanted to learn about their culture they can go back where they came from and learn it. With that being said, this lady was being racist. Individuals like the one mentioned above will continue to make negative comments instead of seeing the positive outcomes of such programs.

3. Why do you think Mexican American Studies is considered threatening or even "anti-American" to those in