kdonnel
DVC-BCV
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2001
I conducted a mini poll with my family last night at dinner.
Over dinner I asked if schools should teach Arabic numerals?
My wife immediately answered sure why not, not knowing what Arabic numerals are.
My son and daughter both looked at each other and answered yes. They both knew they had already been taught Arabic numerals.
My father in law answered why, then quickly followed up with an emphatic no. The kids (16 and 19) explained that the numbers we use are Arabic numerals and asked why he seemed to be dead set on no. He got flustered and would not answer so we changed the subject. It would appear that bigotry/racism may play into some answers of no.
Over dinner I asked if schools should teach Arabic numerals?
My wife immediately answered sure why not, not knowing what Arabic numerals are.
My son and daughter both looked at each other and answered yes. They both knew they had already been taught Arabic numerals.
My father in law answered why, then quickly followed up with an emphatic no. The kids (16 and 19) explained that the numbers we use are Arabic numerals and asked why he seemed to be dead set on no. He got flustered and would not answer so we changed the subject. It would appear that bigotry/racism may play into some answers of no.