Assessing The Value Of A 'Teachable Moment'

You may remember a while back when a Virginia judge gave a "creative sentence" to some racist teen vandals who defaced a historic black schoolhouse with graffiti, making them read a book. Not just any book, but books on racism and anti-Semitism, like "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" or "Night." Result? At least anecdotally, the kids seem to have learned why racism is wrong. The books may have gotten through to them. Do you think this should be the way to reach young people who fall into racism, to try and change their outlook? Are you convinced it works? (Washington Post)

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