All over America, woke warriors are talking about cancellations on social media, but red state governments are actually doing it! The usual target is the 1619 Project, of which I have been harshly critical in numerous posts. Leaving aside the rampant hypocrisy of the right, is it fair for state governments to prohibit its use?
No. The 1619 Project is incomplete and, in some ways, unfair. That does not make it valueless. While racism is not the predominant, let alone the only, theme in American history, it is undeniably important. The Project is helpful when it reminds us of racist actions that have not received adequate attention in our history books and which have consequences today. There is consequently nothing wrong with using it, albeit with a large helping of caution.