Letter to the Editor:
Re “Mississippi Sets an Example for America’s Education System,” Nicholas Kristof’s column in the “How America Heals” series, on June 1st:
Mississippi schools have shattered the notion that the obstacles to a quality education are insurmountable. Critics may argue that Mississippi’s success is an anomaly, but the evidence is clear. The real question now is whether this approach can be replicated on a larger scale.
Walt Gardner
Los Angeles
Former teacher, Los Angeles Unified School District
Former lecturer, U.C.L.A. Graduate School of Education
To the Editor:
Nicholas Kristof’s article begins and ends with the phrase “Thank God for Mississippi,” playfully imagining Arkansas and Alabama rejoicing that they are not ranked last in education, thanks to Mississippi’s below-average scores. But can we truly be grateful for Mississippi’s ranking as the state with the highest child poverty rate and where a significant proportion of Black and Hispanic children live in poverty? I cannot thank God for a system that allows children to grow up in poverty.
As a teacher for 30 years, including at a low-income, minority school, I am intrigued by Mississippi’s improvement in test scores. However, I cannot dismiss the detrimental effects of poverty, which Mississippi has not adequately addressed. Jackson, Mississippi, resembles a developing nation, with students lacking access to clean water. Focusing solely on test scores is akin to a swim coach obsessing over times without considering the well-being of the swimmers in toxic water. We should be concerned about children’s overall welfare, not just their test results. Where is the outrage over child poverty?
Katherine Murphy
Falls Church, VA
To the Editor:
Regarding the recent success story in Mississippi about teaching reading to low-income children, one cannot help but wonder what greater achievements could be made if strong support and guidance were provided during the first three years of a child’s life, when their brain development is at its peak.
Mary Meland
Minneapolis
Retired pediatrician and member of the advocacy group Doctors for Early Childhood
To the Editor:
Nicholas Kristof’s article on education in Mississippi presents some good news, but the underlying premise is highly misleading. The state, as usual, did not invest in education; rather, it was a $100 million donation from Jim Barksdale that brought about the educational progress. Mississippi should not be praised for its educational achievements while avoiding financial responsibility. Public education should be funded by the public, and Republican states should increase taxes to support their own initiatives instead of relying on others.
Barbara Barran
Brooklyn
Danger Ahead: The Complex Relationship Between Frenemies
To the Editor:
In his opinion guest essay “Frenemies May Be Hazardous to Your Health” on May 29th, Adam Grant discusses the inherent danger in ambivalent relationships. As a therapist who has worked extensively with abuse survivors, I can attest to the tremendous risk posed by these types of relationships.
Abusers often cycle between remorse and guilt after violent attacks, creating a confusing and damaging dynamic for their victims. Parents, too, may exhibit both love and viciousness, leaving their children desperate for their affection. These seemingly remorseful acts perpetuate the damaging cycle, leaving survivors feeling trapped in the hope that the abuser will change.
We must not turn away from the issue of abuse and its long-lasting effects. It is easier to discuss toxic bosses, but we cannot ignore the abuse experienced by partners and children in our society. This issue is truly horrific, with outcomes far more lethal than we care to acknowledge.
Laurie Rostholder
Seattle
To the Editor:
As a resident physician who witnessed the effects of the pandemic firsthand in 2020, I appreciate Adam Grant’s discussion of “frenemies,” which unfortunately permeates many interactions within our broken healthcare system.
Toxic relationships between different levels of the medical hierarchy contribute to the rampant burnout among healthcare workers. Attending physicians may take credit for treatment plans suggested by residents while blaming them for negative outcomes. Supervisors may subject subordinates to private humiliation while paradoxically praising them in front of patients, creating a façade of a harmonious team. These conflicting messages foster “impostor syndrome” among trainees, eroding their confidence.
Let us strive to treat our colleagues and patients better and break this vicious cycle for future generations.
Aamir Hussain
Washington
Predictions About Tech
To the Editor:
I found “Fears About A.I. Could Be Warranted, or Not” (Sunday Business, June 11th) to be encouraging.
It takes me back to 1970 when I was sitting in an ethics class at a Jesuit college, listening to the instructor’s dire warnings about the dangers of cloning. Yet here we are, over 50 years later, and I have yet to witness an army of clones. Instead, I have been part of the exciting biotech revolution, witnessing the development of numerous life-saving medicines, innovative agricultural practices, and groundbreaking products across various industries.
Bill St. John
San Francisco
Keep Your Home Safe When You’re Away
To the Editor:
In the article “Protect Your Home From Intruders When You’re on Vacation” (Here to Help, June 8th), the focus is on technological solutions for home security, overlooking a couple of obvious suggestions.
Firstly, informing your neighbors about your absence provides an extra layer of protection, as they can report any suspicious activity to the police. With more people working from home, unofficial neighborhood watches are a sensible way to enhance security.
Secondly, it is essential to refrain from posting vacation plans on social media, as this essentially broadcasts to the world that you are away and your home is vulnerable.
Daniel Grant
Amherst, MA
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