We use the terms " BC " to define ancient times, and the term " AD " to define the present age, but it seems that there is pressure to dump these definitions - because they are not considered " politically correct ".
In their place, it is suggested that we adopt " BCE " and " CE ". These are abbreviations of " Before Common Era " and " Common Era ".
Presumably the sticking point is that our calendar is based on Christianity, and that this might be offensive to those of other religions. Of course we are not about to dump the actual starting point of the Gregorian calendar - just deleting any reference to Jesus Christ.
This seems to be the edict of a body with the unlikely name of the " Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority ". Probably the same mob that is trying to outlaw Christmas - and replace it with a new name.
Instead of trying to tinker with a perfectly good system that is not a problem with other religions, their time would be better spent working on real problems that affect flesh and blood people.
One that comes to mind is the incompatibility of student concessions when they cross state lines.
We have a lot of " border towns " in this country, where students live in one state and study in another. Things like transport concession passes should work across borders - but they don't. As a result, we impose financial hardship on many Australian families.
It seems to be a replay of the problems with trying to get a common educational curriculum across all states. To have that happen will require give and take by all concerned, but instead of cooperation all we see is point scoring and claims of superiority. Progress is slow - and in this mobile age of moving to where jobs are available - kids suffer a huge disadvantage in trying to comprehend different state education standards.
But it seems that this " Curriculum Authority " is more interested in dotting i's and crossing t's to achieve political correctness - than solving real problems.
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