the power of non-fiction readers

It is of absurdity to classify textbooks under the fiction category as they supposedly inform, educate, and enlighten students of facts and reality.

I have been editing manuscripts and books for quite some time now and I notice that these educational materials seem to convey some messages that are too good to be true thus, too far from what are really happening today.

I am not saying though that they are made-up but, most of the contents of some books lean toward the ideal, the wishful-thinking.

“Q: True or False: The Philippines has a growing economy because it is not a corrupt country.

Answer key: answer may vary”

“Plant trees for a better tomorrow.”

“Reduce, reuse, and recycle things.”

The two latter axioms of course will only hold water if we practice it. I definitely understand the textbooks’ aim to instil virtuous information to its readers as early as the students are able to read. However, the good intentions of the textbooks are easily dismissed once the students step out of the boundaries of their schools for reasons that what the books say do not match  the condition of the community.

If only what are taught inside the classrooms are also practiced outside the school premises, then we can say that the lessons are hence, effective.

However, if teachers, writers, and editors continue to consciously or unconsciously mask the reality because of fear that students will imbibe a sense of apathy, then maybe it is right to classify some textbooks as works of fiction.

The books are definitely not to blame, maybe we should be. Textbooks are merely manuals, but the realization of the doctrines, lies on the readers’ senses.

 “Q: True or False: The Philippines has a growing economy because it is not a corrupt country.

A: answer may vary”

I have been itching to edit the question above and change the answer key to “answers should not vary it should be false”, because I do not want to blindside the students. THE PHILIPPINES IS A CORRUPT NATION.

But I restrained myself and seconded the motion.

I too, succumbed toward the ideal, to the wishful-thinking.  

It’s just that I don’t want to rub-off cynicism towards the students, the next generation who will read the books, and hopefully will make:  “Q: True or False: The Philippines has a growing economy because it is not a corrupt country.

Answer key: answer may vary”

“Plant trees for a better tomorrow.”

“Reduce, reuse, and recycle things.”   be in their genuine meanings.