Multiculturalism

Race is a complex social structure. The most basic definition of race is skin color. Or at least, this is how race has been generally defined in order to allow one race a superior complex within society. This is seen as those who were not Anglo- Saxon Caucasian, such as Mexican or Asian Americans but not African American, were placed into categories of “colored” because they weren’t white. The issue with this is that the only other race besides white was a melting pot of “coloreds” when in reality those who were in this group were from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The reading demonstrated how this type of racial categorizing led to educational disadvantages as those students who were not white were set to inferior schools. In this way, race is merely a social structure which was enforced in order to allow for discrimination and segregation merely based on skin color.

Students need to be given the freedom to express their cultural heritage proudly. Going along with this, as an educator you are bound to have students of different cultural backgrounds. In this situation, it is imperative to allow that student the freedom to express themselves as it is relevant to their cultural values. For instance, I cannot state that I am “color blind” in my classroom, but rather encourage my students to embrace their heritage and be proud of where they come from. If this is achieved it not only allows each student to gain self-confidence but also allows for a classroom in which mutual respect despite differences is found.

This idea of multiculturalism is relevant to the common school movement because as I said in my previous blog post, though a great ideal the execution of the common school was greatly biased. Though Mann stated he desired a school experience for everyone, it was really only encourage for white Protestants. The “common school” was really only common for the majority race, and left minorities attending racially segregated schools which often had less resources. The schools were not a common experience for every student regardless of their ethnic background, but rather would vary depending on skin tone. Therefore if the common school movement were truly to live up to its ideals, the educational experience would not be subject to racial bias.

I think what struck me most about the video we observed in class was how the categorized the schools as segregated. Though it is easy to walk into a school and see what the racial majority of those students is, it never struck me to consider this a form of racial segregation. However, as the video explains those of caucasian background often attend the better schools while young African Americans are faced with lower socio-economically funded schools. This can lead to inequalities in the future as the education of a student impacts their future careers and lives. The issue needs to be addressed. For this segregation can be detrimental to a youth’s development. For growing up in a multicultural environment teaches valuable life lessons and morals regarding respect and dignity. It will allow for a less divisive society which is greatly needed at the present time.