the value of cultural texts in the classroom

Learning about other cultures in the classroom can be interesting to some people and the most boring unit of study for others. I think whether it appeals to you or not, it's important to be educated on the different aspects of the world and others' view on life. 

Cultural texts may not be the most informative way of learning new things about other cultures BUT they at least open your mind to the fact that there is a diverse population of people in the world. Without cultural texts in the high school curriculum there would be way too many people who have one-sided views on what others believe in, and even how some go about their everyday routines. 

So, whether learning about other cultures through books like the kite runner interests you or not, the reality is that it is an important aspect to our education. For example, if we never read the kite runner many of us wouldn't have any understanding of the afghan culture. Having knowledge about afghanistan and what people like Amir went through, all-in-all broadens our perspective on the diversity of world-wide culture.