The knowledge we learn comes from a source, our teachers. What happens when that source is tainted? A recent viral image on Reddit has forced netizens to question the credibility of their teachers and rethink the intentions of many nationally endorsed tests.
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A user pointed out how a CTET prep book had racist remarks on its pages
In the trending image, the user pointed out how a CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) prep book had some questionable information on its pages, which was seemingly advertised as facts. The racist comments in the book insisted that people who come from cold places are “white, beautiful, well-built, healthy, and wise” while people born in hotter regions were “black, irritable and of violent nature.”
The shocking declaration in the Indian prep book surprised netizens as many shared their flabbergasted reactions on the thread. At the same time, there were also those who wanted to figure out which subject would prompt a book to write such racist remarks.
A similar image went viral earlier this year
While the debate on the subject raged in the comments, a user pointed out that a similar image went viral earlier this year as a student pointed out the absurdity of their nursing textbook that had listed down the apparent merits of dowry.
Twitter/@chhuti_is
For those unversed, CTET is a national-level exam that is held by CBSE and helps prospective teachers apply for employment. Having such information in a prep book for teachers is highly damaging as stereotypes and adherence to orthodox thinking can lead to abuse and harassment in schools by poorly trained professionals.
A commenter revealed that they were rather unfazed by the remarks in the book as they expected nothing less from a country that birthed products like Fair & Lovely in the past. They pointed out that India has been obsessed with skin color and race for a long time which propagates racist thinking not only among the older generations but also among the up-and-coming young ones. CBSE has not given any official reaction to the viral post as of yet.
Check out some more reactions from netizens on the viral thread:
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