Start An Honest, Interactive Education

Partha intro Chomsky

This is a very sincere and honest, heartfelt thought. And I want to share it with you.

If I had a lot of money and time, I would quit my job, and perhaps begin an educational channel on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.

I feel very strongly about it, given that I have already taught at college level for over thirty-five years (five years in India and thirty years in USA), and I have academic expertise (and high degrees) in science, humanities, media and journalism, writing, economics, and political and social sciences. Plus, I have forty years of experience — both in USA and India — in grassroots organizing.

I came from an humble background, and I have done my best to know the ordinary men, women, children and families, and their pressing issues. I have seen how eagerly they want to learn, and how sincerely they want to believe in someone who can teach them honestly. Honesty matters even today, in this world ruined by dishonest political leaders, corporations, and their establishments.

I truly believe an educational channel would prove to be extremely valuable — for those who want to learn more about the many subjects academia, media and our so-called leaders have kept away from us.

Partha_Banerjee_teaching_his_labor_workshop

For example, (1) How BAD is the SOCIO-ECONOMICĀ situation in USA, how many people languish in U.S. jails, how serious is the health and college dropout crisis in America, and why SO FEW people vote in this country, compared to other democracies around the world? All of the above, and much more, have been kept a secret from most of us, by those political leaders and their media.

Or, for example (2) Is CLIMATE CHANGE a real catastrophe as we speak, and what have the U.S. corporations and their supported politicians done to address the crisis?

You add your questions and topics and issues.

I do believe a simple, matter-of-factly PUBLICĀ journalism and information center is a very important thing to do, and I do believe even though there are a number of alternative outlets that are doing it, I could do it differently, with a language that everybody understands.

But unfortunately, right now, I do not have that kind of money or time. I have a full-time job, and it is a responsible and satisfying teaching job: I teach labor union workers on many of the above subjects.

So, we need to do it differently. Here is my idea.

I will try to post short questions in the form of a blog, and invite you to be a part of an interactive discussion. You can freely ask me any questions you like, based on your interest, and I will do my best to answer them, as accurately as I can. And then, we shall have an analysis. Some thoughtful resolution.

Some friends already encouraged me to do something like it, and I think we need to begin somewhere.

Sharing with you — a small group of friends who read my blog regularly, with hope that others will join in the discussion.

In sincerity, honesty, and friendship,

Partha Banerjee

Brooklyn, New York

Partha teaching