I think it is because of two basic reasons; firstly, as Tatum points out, one can relate better with peers of their own race because they too understand the difficulties of being a minority. I think she really made a great point, how can we expect a white person to understand the racism towards African Americans. Ms. Tatum gave an example regarding a 9th grade substitute teacher suggesting four-year colleges to all her white students and suggesting that a black adolescent male in her class go to a community college. It would be almost silly for that African American boy to sympathize with one of the white peers, not only would it be hard to relate to each other, it would be downright embarrassing. I actually think that the white teenager wouldn’t be able to see why the colored boy was hurt, they would just brush it off and give an explanation like “oh the teacher didn’t mean it like that”.
Also be effected intellectually involves the teaching or schooling this certain person receives. If their teachers are racist and treat students off a different race not the same as others, a student academics could in fact be interrupted. An example of this mistreatment would be that of; “On Monday, September 23, 1957, Melba and the other black students go to school. They are again greeted by a mob of angry white people.” This is also an example of how the book uses literature to provide a sense of cultural awareness. At the point in time people were very harsh and unfair to those of a different race just because they were not the same color as the majority.
(Acknowledgment, Notes, Reference, Index, About the Author) $39.95, ISBN 978-0-8077-5407-8 David Kirkland wanted people to understand what African American are going through on a daily base. Most blacks are seen going into school and often to prison. They are suspend from school more often than a white student and for longer period of time. David voice how in 2003 70 percent of Black 4th grade boys read below the level, compared to 27 percent of White children. Black males perform more poorly on literacy test than do other students.
Although many of the students who study African American history may not be able to fully empathize with The Emmitt Till Case they may on the other hand find the content useful in reflecting on their own lifestyle. In particular, this book would be most influential to young readers (7th-10th graders) who can come to realize how far we have come as a nation. It is most beneficial to learn from our own history in order to prevent any further prejudice and
As human beings, we know that prejudice and stereotyping is not going to stop because this is the way of the world. Multiculturalists are working hard for reform of curriculum in schools, because they think that the school system is not working as it should. Multiculturalists feel that minority groups are the ones who take the most abuse in school (just because of their race). Based upon my experience in education I will apply this content in my classroom by teaching my students about bullying, sexual harassment, and race. Multiculturalists believe that the reform will lead to a more fair educational system, because this can help assist us in preparing our future leaders to be able to live and work in a peaceful diverse society.
I do believe that the media can be held partially liable for the discrimination against African-Americans in the school system. Since I have witness much discrimination against the African-Americans, I wanted to understand their perspective and why there was so much animosity. In the African American population the amount of discrimination that takes place can steer them into poverty. Olzak, (1992) stated
Due to this, single-sex schools have been established to combat these issues. Are we doing a disservice to boys and girls by keeping them segregated? Is this ethical? How will boys and girls effectively co-exist once they are no longer in school? The following paper will argue against single-sex schools and display various reasons as to how they are counter-productive to student needs.
MLK dream was not just to put an end to segregation but more so we can have better opportunities. His goal was too able the people of color, so their children and grandchildren, etc. can have be. Still, 49 years later we do not utilize what has been given to use. Do you know majority of white colleges, are required to have a certain percent of minorities at their schools?
If another student or applicant for a job is more capable and eligible for the spot but is given to someone in the “minority group,” doesn’t this create resentment from the more capable applicant? Although government is trying to reverse years of discrimination it actually may be nurturing it without even seeing the serious side effects it may be evoking. To be completely free of racism, discrimination, prejudice, and all the above we need to take away the labels. There shouldn’t be a “minority group,” everyone is equal and that is how we should move forward. If we say one person is weaker than the other, than our own government is instilling in us what we have tried to eradicate for years.
Simple numbers don’t lie and it’s not hard to prove inequality in Americas education system. If your born a shade of color other than pink in this country your chance for a first rate education automatically lessens, even more so if your born poor. I believe its imperative for teachers to leave all their stereotypes at the door of the classroom and try to understand how different social-cultural influences have shaped their students. We don’t all get the same opportunities at home but school should be the great equalizer, where a student’s success isn’t based on factors they can’t control but by the factors they can. Funding for schools in this country is grossly disproportionate to educational needs.