Immigration and Multiculturalism in Curriculum

America is land of the free and home of the brave. Immigrants come to America because they want to have equal rights and live in a prosperous nation.

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Blacks had to fight for rights and stand up for equality. As the diversity in America increases, other immigrant groups have found it necessary to fight for rights, equality and citizenship here. A “new civil rights movement” may be needed to get voices heard and new laws made.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen, an immigrant gains freedom, liberty, independence and opportunities to benefit economically. However, in my opinion this needs to be done legally. The government must provide immigrants with ethical and logical steps which will lead them to the ‘path of citizenship’ here in the United States. If undocumented immigrants are unable to complete these steps in a sufficient amount of time, they must be prosecuted and sent back to their country.

Diversity is reflected in our school populations and multiculturalism in education is a necessity. It must be taught in our school systems because our public education classrooms are filled with students from various cultures and backgrounds. We must teach children to be proud to be American, but also realize the importance of heritage. Without a knowledge and understanding of other cultures and heritages, prosperity and efficiency will be difficult to achieve. Adam Waxler made excellent points in “Multiculturalism in School Curriculum.”

“The traditional curriculum can be taught in way that is truly a multicultural education, that addresses various perspectives and allows students to draw their own conclusions.” (Waxler)

I agree with this statement, believing that if teachers if news to integrate multiculturalism into traditional curriculum it will be more accepted.

According to E.D. Hirsch, Jr. there are two kinds of multiculturalism. I believe it is important to think of multiculturalism as a broad term, realizing that it can be taught in many ways and does not have one single definition.

Working in the educational setting, I come in contact with students of many different ethical backgrounds. In the past, it has been difficult communicating with parents and students because of language barriers. Programs like English as a Second Language (ESL) help diminish this barrier. This program focuses on the teaching of English, assisting students in inquiring effective communication and academia in America.

Though we still have a long way to progress, America has made changes that promote diversity. Steps are being made in the educational system and society toward equality and impartially. With built knowledge and support, we will all benefit and our country will flourish.

References:

Hirsch, E.D., Jr. (1992). Toward a Centrist Curriculum: Two Kinds of Multiculturalism in Elementary School. Retrieved from the Core Knowledge Foundations. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133313

Kyriakou, Niko.  (2006).  Organizers see 'new civil rights movement' in immigration protests.  OneWorld.net

Waxler, A. (n.d.). Multiculturalism in School Curriculum. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133312

Multiculturalism!

Why Multiculturalism is wrong? It is not, people form incorrect interpretations of it. Multiculturalism is important because it helps individuals that are not of European descent understand their heritage and background. “You have to know where you came from in order to know where you are going.” Studying the cultures of others will also help in understanding them.

Accepting multiculturalism is an important and great way to avoid discrimination, prejudices and racism. Americans have to be especially accepting to diversity because America is one of the most multicultural nations in the world. In the past, America has been disunited by race, however studying our history will help us learn from the mistakes of the past.

My secondary educational experience was diverse. Though most of the students in my classes were Caucasian, there were students of other ethnicities present also. The “traditional history” of America was taught every day. Multiculturalism was taught in some aspects, however this was only on certain occasions. The traditional history, which is that of white America- told from the European point-of-view, was the main focus in textbooks and daily study. Focus would be set on African culture during the month of February, Hispanic Heritage during the months of September and October and the Native American culture would be studied during the Thanksgiving season.  

I agree with the statement “it is impossible to write a single American history that satisfies, white, black, Indian, Hispanic, and Asian” (Taylor, 1992). It is impossible to satisfy everyone with a single American history because there are different interpretations of this history. The “truth” for one culture may be different from that of another because there are different emotions and points-of-view that have created the experience. This is another reason why the study of Multiculturalism is important.

The “history about white people for white people” is no longer accepted because of the diversity of America. As the years past, cultures of Africans, Mexicans, Indians etc. will be more accepted because America’s classrooms will consist of more ethnic students than white students. This is already evident in the classrooms today.

“At the same time, virtually every non-white group sees the conflicts of the past as struggles with whites, so multicultural history becomes a collection of perspectives that are often not merely non-white but anti-white” (Taylor, 1992).

 “Multicultural” history is representation of American history today because of the multiculturalism of America. This is difficult and maybe unpleasant to teach or talk about because of the differences in view points; however it is important. Both sides to every story need to be heard.

“History has a point of view; it cannot be all things to all people.” (Taylor, 1992)

After reading “Pitthissippi Burning” I realize that as a county, we have come far, still have a long way to go, however we will never get there. “There” as in a place where all Americans are viewed as EQUAL by EVERYONE. I believe that individuals in America are advantaged, spoiled and will find anything to complain about, whether the reasoning behind the complaint is valid or not. Racism and discrimination are still issues today and will exist, we have to be able to ignore or comfort these situations properly. People are ignorant and scared of views that differ from their own and predict negative outcomes for situations that oppose their beliefs.

References:

Taylor, Samuel Jared. The challenge of ‘multiculturalism’ in how Americans view the past and the future., The Journal of Historical Review, Summer, 1992; vol. 12 no. 2: p. 159.

Tobia, P. (2009, Februray 23). Pithissippi burning: race, white nationalism and american culture Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133308