I tend to think it feeds liberal anti-America stereotypes that say America's past is all about hate and racism. This is why liberal teachers like the book so much.
It has nothing to do with agenda. It is a lyrical, beautifully written novel that tackles tough subjects.
Well it wasn't all peaches and cream either. To ignore past racism is as wrong as to focus only on racism.
Most people like their history nice and simple. History is messy. There are certain parts that people would prefer to see shoved in a closet because they feel ashamed. That is the wrong way to look at it.
Others think that because the something was not always perfect that it should be scorned. That is also the wrong way to look at it. You have no reason to feel ashamed because you were not there. It has nothing to do with you. And nothing is perfect. We can only try to do the best we can and try to improve. If we do that then there is no reason to scorn.
I like the movie fine.
I can also see why liberals like it.
I went to the same school as Bourbon when it was founded and I am not a Preppie. Bourbon is 2nd generation post busing. They did this in Jackson...the first metro area btw at Christmas break in 69. SCOTUS pushed it and gave them 2 weeks to submit literally. Oddly unlike Boston some years later, there was no violence even though the Jackson State riots took place only about a mile from my newly foricbly integrated Jr High.
It should be noted that prior to the busing, it was school choice. We had a number of blacks already. Whites could attend black schools too.
Today, the schools are a zoo...complete and utter decay. I have cousins who have tried to teach there, it's simply too dangerous and pandemonium.
Forced Busing in Jackson Mississippi killed the public school system....a hard death too I might add.