Crunchy Cons Embrace Homeschooling
Tuesday, December 26th, 2006By Mimi Rothschild
What are “Crunchy Cons”?
According to Rod Dreher, the author of Crunchy Cons, they are conservatives, usually Christians, who uphold traditional Christian values, but adhere to certain beliefs that are popularly considered “lefty” such as pro-environment, pro-organics, and anti-capitalism.
Many of these folks are homeschoolers, or “hip homeschooling mamas” as the cover of Dreher’s new book claims. These folks take the concept of “pro-life” and expand it to every aspect of living. This includes eating organic foods free of pesticides and growth hormones, raising crops on healthy soil, supporting environmental awareness campaigns, parenting large families with 10+ children and more. Essentially, they are attempting to live life naturally, as God would have us live. Godly and groovy!
Although these characteristics may seem conflicting, it really makes sense that these two subcultures are beginning to mingle.
“It ain’t conservative just to buy more stuff,” he maintains. “What we need to conserve is the family and our faith, and the values that made this country great.”
So true. It’s time that “hip homeschooling mamas” take back the conservative movement that is unfortunately so often tied to wild-eyed materialism and lack of care for our fellow man. Environmental issues belong within a conservative Christian framework.
Take a moment to think about how you can integrate environmental awareness into your homeschool day. Teach your children how to recycle and minimize waste. There are so many learning opportunities ready to be explored.