Op-Ed for Sex-Ed: A Business and Practical Viewpoint
By Marc Ang, President/Founder of Asian Industry B2B
Our curriculum changes are a major issue and I view it from three lenses.
As a community organizer, I see an issue that has a profound effect on the fabric of our Californian society.
As a business person, the goal of this piece is to simplify action items and do the important work to educate the public.
As a minority, these changes have gone against everything my parents, with strong Chinese values, had stood for raising me to be a productive member of society.
The Problem:
This is not the sole fault of the California Department of Education. This is not the fault of those who wrote the shocking framework or the special interest groups writing the curriculum. This is not the fault of the Democratic party or Republican party for being beholden to special interests. This is not the fault of the teacher unions.
These are symptoms, but the root cause and ailment is the complacency of our public. We have allowed, through not caring and not being involved, a nefarious special interests-driven agenda to take over and shape the content in our children’s education into this mess. Let’s face it. In order for this framework to pass, our society must have prioritized certain matters as important, and now our institutions are reflecting it. These things have become normalized and the only way to fight back is to educate the public. Which is why I’m writing this piece and joining in efforts to sponsor and educate.
The Content:
- It is age inappropriate.
Bottom line is our kids go to school to learn academics, such as math, English, a foreign language, science and history. Focusing too much time on sexually charged matters in middle school and 128 or unlimited genders in kindergarten and elementary school is at best, distracting and at worst, it robs our children from learning more important things at a crucial time in their lives and prioritizes sex and gender identity even before puberty. Should books like “Who Are You? A Guide To Gender Identity” and “A Day In The Life of Marlon Bruno” with transparent agendas, be the types of books kids read instead of Aesop’s Fables, or other books which teach important lessons about values and character?
- It is medically inaccurate.
Downplaying abstinence and giving more airtime to glorify abortion, which no matter how you feel about the issue, and promoting anal sex and downplaying its risks and consequences is irresponsible.
- It strips away parental rights.
Parents are unable to opt out of gender identity and gender spectrum education. I have worked with children from all levels, including those with autism. I myself was accelerated in certain areas and deficient in others. Some kids are not ready for this and a parent knows best. Forcing some of these conversations early and on rigid schedules to children fosters awkwardness and a potentially hostile environment.
- The framework process has disenfranchised minorities.
During the framework’s open public periods, the framework was not made available in any other language but English. Immigrant families are especially disenfranchised, as parents work hard and are usually trusting the education system to be teaching the right things and nurturing the potential of their children. Instead, children are coming home consumed in debates about unlimited genders.
How To Act:
- Educate Yourself.
There are many resources online to figure out the facts. Official organizations like Faith and Public Policy as well as the Capitol Resource Institute have trusted experts who provide researched information and facts. Grassroots groups are also a good forum to discuss with other parents. Once you are educated, you are ready to spread the word.
- Secure A Venue.
Whether it’s a living room to host 10, a community center or church room that can host 50, or an auditorium that can host 200, secure the room and we will build an event around it.
- Coordinate with AIB2B.
Please email asianindustryb2b@gmail.com or call 424-291-2102 to secure food and flyer sponsorship, as well as other support. I am dedicated to spreading the word.
- Grow leaders.
There needs to be many more people leading the charge. Foster leaders by nurturing their potential and lead by example.
Pitfalls To Avoid:
- Don’t fall into an echo chamber.
Passions are strong, but I have seen many movements fall into echo chambers. While we may be at a level of intensity, not everyone is at that level. Know your audience and stick to the facts.
- Consider the impact of your actions.
While staging protests is a great way to meet people and be passionate, developing a reputation of being overly ideological can hurt the exact cause you are trying to promote. Be calm, measured and know your facts.
- Energy is finite. Don’t be the boy who cried wolf.
Understand that if you protest too much and use up your capital early on, when the time comes, it may not be available. Consider the impact of sit outs, and understand that 3 unexcused absences will tag your child as truant and Child Protective Services may become an issue. Pace yourself and consider the impact of the battle, and focus on the big picture.
Events:
We are throwing three educational events, for the Chinese community and for the Spanish community. These events will feature Gina Gleason from Faith and Public Policy and Karen England from Capitol Resource Institute, as well as community mothers and fathers. Dinner will be provided, sponsored by City Councilman and Immediate Past Mayor, Peter Amundson.
- March 28 – 6 pm – Longo Toyota, El Monte (Bilingual with Mandarin)
- April 2 – 6 pm – Family Life Church, Santa Ana (Bilingual with Spanish)
- April 23 – 6 pm – On A Mission Church, Walnut (Trilingual with Mandarin and Spanish.