Commentator Isabel Brown raised concerns about the content of an Advanced Placement U.S. Government textbook, focusing on a political ideology chart that she said is being used in American high school classrooms.

Brown said the issue came to her attention after the material was shared with her through a third party. “Doing a wellness check on the teenagers in high school right now because what is this?” she said.

She explained that the textbook was sent to columnist Carol Markowitz by a relative, prompting questions about how political figures are being categorized.

“Someone sent their AP government textbook to Carol Markowitz, their cousin, to show them the political ideology grid that they are currently teaching in American high schools,” Brown said.

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Brown described her reaction to the classifications presented in the chart. “Guys, guys, I have so many questions,” she said.

According to Brown, the chart places a limited number of American political figures in specific ideological categories.

“Apparently, the only, the only person in American politics who is economic right and more libertarian is Ron Paul who is like barely libertarian,” she said, referring to Ron Paul.

She also pointed to how the chart groups other figures. “Hillary Clinton and George W Bush are the same dot because they have the same exact political ideology,” Brown said, referencing Hillary Clinton and George W. Bush.

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Brown questioned additional comparisons included in the material.

“And they both are more authoritarian than Fidel Castro,” she said, referencing Fidel Castro.

She continued by discussing how former President Barack Obama is depicted in the chart.

“Apparently, Obama is a right wing authoritarian in 2008 and he becomes more right wing economically and more authoritarian by 2012,” Brown said.

Brown noted that the chart places Obama alongside other political figures. “Closely mirroring the political ideology of Maggie Thatcher and, of course, Ted Cruz,” she said, referring to Margaret Thatcher and Ted Cruz.

She added that Cruz is shown in a particular position on the chart.

“Who is more, far more authoritarian, by the way, than Fidel Castro, and pretty much on the exact same line,” Brown said.

Brown also referenced additional figures included in the chart’s comparisons. “It looks like he's more authoritarian than Joseph Stalin over there,” she said, referring to Joseph Stalin.

She then pointed to how President Donald Trump is categorized.

“Donald Trump is on par, of course, with Hitler,” Brown said, referencing Adolf Hitler.

Brown also discussed how the chart positions other well-known figures.

“Bernie Sanders is barely, barely economic left Nelson Mandela is a libertarian,” she said, referring to Bernie Sanders and Nelson Mandela.

She concluded by expressing confusion about the material’s purpose and accuracy.

“What I don't, I don't even know what to do with this,” Brown said.

Brown emphasized that the chart appears in a course offered to high school students preparing for college-level coursework.

“The textbook in question, your college level American Government course, your AP course offered to high schoolers in America today,” she said.

She also commented on one of the comparisons included in the chart. “And justice for George W Bush having to share a dot with Hillary Clinton,” Brown said.

 

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