Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1940-09-19
Use Discretion

Use Discretion
Since the outbreak of the war
in Europe a year ago and the
conquest of many small neutral
countries by Germany through
sheer might, fear or internally,
the work and activity of fifth
columnists in the conquest of
nation is coming more and more
to light.
While it is we'll to be on guard
against all subversive activities
in this country, it would also be
wise not to let hysteria and haste
get the best of our better judg-
ment as has been the case in re-
cent instances, and especially so
in the First World war. Anything
foreign or Of foreign origin is not
necessarily antagonistic to Ameri-
ca and American ideals and to
be prosecuted as such.
Concerning this, Otto G.. Hoi-
berg, superintendent of the Askov
schools, has written an interest
ing and enlightening arti C lie,
which appeared in the Septem-
Der IA issue of School and So
ciety, weekly publication of the
Society for the Advancement of
Education, Inc. The article, en-
titled, THE Educator and Fifth
Column Discretion is reprinted
herewith.
Of he of
educational system is to build in
American youth a real appreciation
of the deeper cultural values of
American society. Young America
must be taught to appreciate our
country and what it has to offer.
A second important task of education
is to show our young people that
American culture is worldwide in
origin and has its roots in many lands,
climates and races. If the educator
of today performs these two duties
well, the American 'way of life" will
probably continue to thrive, in spite
of what happens in other countries.
In this world of intensely growing
nationaliSm, culture suffers heavily
Masterful literary works, beautiful
musical compositions, great paintings
and significant contributions of all
types are desecrated and cast aside
all because they are foreign" in ORR
gin or spirit. The exodus of Albert
Einstein, Thomas Mann, G.. Salve-
mini, Arturo Toscanini and scores of
equally prominent men from their
native lands bears witness of the ex-
tent to which great cultural achieve
ment is sacrificed upon the altar of
narrow nationalism and racialism.
This totalitarian tendency to crush
everything not clearly indigenous to
a given country or race must be
challenged by all who have faith in
democratic institutions. Teachers, in
particular, have opportunity to meet
this problem squarely in their daily
relations with millions of young
Americans. If we would maintain
our democratic American ideals and
avoid the cultural prostitution of
present-day totalitarian states, we
must help our young people to see
that the immortal works of Goethe
can not with good judgment be burned
because of a dislike for naziism.
Likewise, we must emphasize that we
can we'll continue to enjoy the music
of Tschaikowsky even though our
sympathies may not lie with the
policies of Dictator Joseph Stain. In
short, we must point out in unmistak-
able fashion that priceless treasures
have come to us from every race and
nation, and that these treasures must
under no circumstances be discarded
in the United States. Every great
cultural achievement rises above ma
tionality and race, and that country
is its own worst enemy which fails
to recognize this.
1t is obvious to the average edu-
Gated American that European and
ASiatic cultures are sources of great
assistance and inspiration to us. We
derive benefit from scientific dis
coveries made in foreign laboratories:
we sing the folk songs and dance the
folk dances that have come down
through the generations among peo-
piles far removed from our shores;
our social institutions are nodded and
developed according to ideas and
PHILOSOPHERS many of which have
their roots in distant countries. In
fact, at every turn of the road we
encounter evidence of the debt we
owe the foreigner.
1t seems necessary, however, that
this "obvious" debt be emphasized,
especially in these grave times of
war and international hatred. War
propaganda often places the obvi-
GUS beyond the grasp of the human
imagination. Things that are under