race in history

For the group projects, my group was in charge of the history section. When I first figured this out I was kind of excited to start on learning about everything that I didn’t already know about race in history. This is partially because I am a history person, so I enjoy learning about the past and not only what happened but also the motivations of the people in certain instances. Once I had read some of the articles, I came to find that much of the racial history in the United States was focused on the slavery issue. To be honest, it was a little disappointing. We are a nation of many different kinds of people and to see that our nation still talks about race specifically lined up with that horrible, racist way of life is frustrating. I feel like race isn’t often brought up without the stigma of racism right along with it. Why? And not only that, but there are so many other eras in history that race was crucial that do not ever seem to be brought up, the Irish coming to America and the passionate hatred that they fought against, or during World War II when some of the Japanese Americans were put into concentration-like camps because of the intense fear that was traveling around the country. Why don’t these times get talked about as often? Is it just that the White American vs. the Black American is the stereotypical fight that was fought? If so, isn’t that a bit hypocritical of us? Aren’t we fighting against the stereotypes? I just hope that people are listening to the other arguments out there besides the most common story. Not that this fight for freedom is any less significant than the others, because it obviously was a major milestone in not only U.S. history, but also world history. I just think that it is important that people know that racism is not limited to African American history and it looks different than slavery during the Antebellum Period and the Klu Klux Klan. We need to be aware.

When we discussed "Acting White" in class on Friday, it was a really big shock to me. It breaks my heart that for some people success is literally defined for them as off limits and as a "disappointment" to their race. I understand that this is not the accepted truth for everyone out there who is of a minority, but it absolutely blows my mind nonetheless. I don't know how to react to it because I don't know where my part will be in this problem as a teacher. We discussed the different options in class and I agree that for some students addressing it up front when it first happens may be the best way to combat this kind of a situation, but I also agree that it is going to have to be a case by case situation and we'll have to figure it out as we go. Mental blocks like these are going to be difficult. I cannot begin to try and say that I understand where these students are coming from, but when we talked about it in class, I can totally see how this would create a conflict in the individual student because it may not be a conscious decision to "act white" but rather they are attempting to succeed in school. The documentary really opened my eyes to the reality of everything thats going on because they openly discussed it with students. I know that now that my eyes are opened, I will hopefully be able to be more aware within the classroom to this kind of pressure that is harmful. To be honest, I do not think that I would have thought the idea of “acting white” to be a true concern within the school system because it seems like such a foreign concept, but I am very thankful that I now can see this perspective.

diversity...

Diversity in the classroom is such a huge part of the education system that is in place in the United States. I feel like many of the problems that arise not only in school systems but also in the world have to do with the complete lack of respect that people have for one another. While I understand that openly discussing different cultures and differences cannot solve the world's problems, I do believe that being in an environment that fosters respect and openness could start another era of children who want to learn about other places, people and traditions. As teachers I think that it is our place to help students have open minds about what it is that we are teaching them, so that in turn they can continue on to use that thought process in coming to their own conclusions about life and other people. I also think that this is pertinent in the United States because we base ourselves on the ideals and beliefs that are rooted in equality, and justice. Thus, it would be wise for our students, the future leaders of America to have a firm grasp on the cultures that help to make up our “salad bowl” of a country. Let’s face it, the United States is unlike any other country in the world, and part of that is because we have so many cultures and ideas that have been put together. But how just and equal are we really if we don’t give other cultures a chance to be seen? To be heard? It is also important that we realize that a big proportion of the population does not simply identify with one cultural identity, and I believe that along with being American, it is vital that we do what we can to help them take hold of all the sides that make those people who they are. Whether that means American and Venezuelan or Jewish or Korean. The biggest part of education is helping our students figure out who they are so that they can continue to learn about who they want to be and what it is they want to do in life. But it could become difficult to know where they want to go if they are stuck on figuring out where they have been. Multicultural Education and accepting and respecting diversity is crucial if we are going to be able to teach students anything else about the world.