Multicultural Education
"Initially, the student interviewed in the case study, reflected an attitude that would probably not facilitate consensus building, respect for other cultures, or fostering of cultural pluralism within different racial communities and in the classroom. However, with integrated curriculum, social activities, administrative support, and staff training, fear, ignorance, and personal detachment may be notably reduced in both students and teachers. Benefits to multicultural education can help to eliminate the crux of stereotyping, prejudice, racism, and bigotry (Fear, Ignorance, dis-ownership). " -Keith Wilson
SUMMARY: The article addresses the basic concept of multicultural education, along with the positive and negative consequences associated with it. The article begins by describing the ever changing demographic of students in America. For example, Bennett (1995) estimated that "by the year 2000, over 30 percent of our school age population will be children of color". Therefore, the United States’ educational system is now designed for the cultures of several different races. This approach to teaching and learning is based upon consensus building, respect, and fostering cultural pluralism within racial societies. “Multicultural education acknowledges and incorporates positive racial idiosyncrasies into classroom atmospheres” (Keith Wilson).
ANALYSIS: As diversity and multiculturalism becomes more prevalent in American society, especially among the youth, American education continues to evolve in order to accommodate for several different races thus, fostering cultural pluralism within society. As a result of multicultural education, "if Americans are to embrace diversity, the conscious and unconscious expressions of racism within our society must be identified and done away with". Multicultural education is the potential catalyst to bring all races together in harmony. Acceptance and tolerance begins with the up-and-coming generations, of whom are heavily influenced by the educational system. By harvesting the concepts of unity in education for the diversified youth, individuals of different ethnicities live side-by-side in a respectful and unified communities; that offer their youth equal opportunities for education. This concept especially became present in society through affirmative action, that took place after the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
ANALYSIS: As diversity and multiculturalism becomes more prevalent in American society, especially among the youth, American education continues to evolve in order to accommodate for several different races thus, fostering cultural pluralism within society. As a result of multicultural education, "if Americans are to embrace diversity, the conscious and unconscious expressions of racism within our society must be identified and done away with". Multicultural education is the potential catalyst to bring all races together in harmony. Acceptance and tolerance begins with the up-and-coming generations, of whom are heavily influenced by the educational system. By harvesting the concepts of unity in education for the diversified youth, individuals of different ethnicities live side-by-side in a respectful and unified communities; that offer their youth equal opportunities for education. This concept especially became present in society through affirmative action, that took place after the civil rights movement in the 1960s.