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.
I love the statement about most Americans not identifying with only one culture! I completely agree. I also do think it's important to discuss cultural issues in class and be aware of several different cultures; this boosts awareness. I am concerned, however, with how discussion often occurs in classrooms. I feel that whenever controversial topics are brought up in class, the minority student(s) automatically feel a need to defend themselves, and so they may say things that sound offensive to others. This is just my personal experience in high school/college classes. It seems to place a bad stigma on the minorities when they speak up and have differing views from the rest of the class. Therefore, I think discussing cultural issues is good, but that it should be done carefully and respectfully from both sides of the argument.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with this post. A child can be molded and shaped into the person he/she will be in the future based on what he/she is exposed to in the classroom at an early age. If a white child is only exposed to the "white outlook" on society in the early years, chances are the child will not be as tolerant to other types of people as they get older.
ReplyDeleteThe classroom should be a place of acceptance and the effortless incorporation of all types of people. By doing so, children can see each other as equals despite their ethnicity, economic status, body type, etc.. That is one of the first steps to having a more tolerant community.
I completely agree with this post. I think that the best way of approaching multi-culturalism is to teach people to have an open mind and respect for those around them. The school is one of the first places that students come in to contact with people different from themselves, and is therefore a perfect time to teach them how to interact respectfully with people who may see the world in a different way than them.
ReplyDeleteI also, not to be redundant, agree with this post. Growing up as the only Jew in a school of thousands, I know first-hand how rude and close-minded some children can be. If multicultural education began early for children, bullying and harassment to minorities could be cut down significantly. Also, children are "sponges" when they are young. If they were taught to treat everyone equally at an early age, they would be more likely to accept this fact and carry it out.
ReplyDelete