Teachers speak out against anti-American bias claims
In a speech addressed to the Australian American Leadership Dialogue, the Federal Treasurer expressed his concern of growing anti Americanism sentiment amongst Australians. His argument was that an anti American attitude is easily translated into anti Westernism. High school teachers and academia were put under the spotlight, when Costello accused them of swaying students against America, in their teaching. Costello based his speech on a recent Lowy institute survey. It found that Australians view China, more favorably than the US. But, critics argue that such public opinion is based on concern over controversial US policies. Dr James Goodman, senior lecturer in social inquiry at UTS, and Paul Kiem, the president of the NSW History teachers association, argue against Peter Costello’s accusations. The Wire’s Hagar Cohen reports.