Blog # 3- Multiculturalism

These three articals identified an on-going, historical debate between the "multiculturalist" perspective on American society and the "conservative" perspective of society. The multiculturalist's view on historical education is that the school system should incorporate all perspectives of history from various races and cultures. This means that when discussing the Civill War, teachers should not only focus on how it affected the North, South and whites, but how it affected blacks. When addressing the Mexican-American War, teachers should portray not only how America added another state to their country, but how Mexico had to give up a part of their heritage.
Conservatives argue that all cultures and races have their own history that stress a specific country's triumphs. So America has the right to have a similar curriculum, where American history is addressed; not Hispanic, African American or Native American history. Conservatives also believe that American values, culture, and race should be preserved, or there will no longer be an American nation. Multiculturalists, on the other hand, believe that there are so many cultures "mixed" in the American nation, that America has no history or culture.
After reading these articals, I realize that I am more of a Conservative. I believe since every other country in the world has a curriculum that focuses on their own nation, why can't America do the same? I also think that is important for Americans to never forget their history, or where they came from. If people don't know their past, then they don't know who they really are.
Although, I am more of a conservative, I don't think there is anything wrong with learning about other races and cultures, and incorporating this knowledge into the classroom. It has been my experience with teaching that students enjoy learning about other countries. For example, I student taught in Cleveland, TN. I did a social studies unit on Asian culture such as Japan, Korea and China. The students loved it! (I had a lot of fun teaching it too).
I have been and ESL teacher for one year. I have had the opportunity to meet students and their families from a variety of backgrounds. I had one student who was from India. I met her mother and coordinated with her on certain occasions. My student was fluent enough in English that she could translate between Gujarati and English. I really enjoyed learning about their language, culture, religious beliefs and the challenges they went through to come to America to begin a new life.
I taught another student this passed year who was Hispanic. She came into the school system and did not know a word of English. I worked with her for the entire year. I was amazed at how quickly she caught on to the language. She and I could never carry on a fluent conversation, but we were able to communicate very easily after we worked at it. I came to realize that this girl was a good influence on her other classmates, in a school that is predominantly white. She made a difference in these student's lives just by being herself.
In conclusion, I am more of a historical conservative in that, I think that America can have their own curriculum without the influence of other races. I also think that it is important for Americans to never abandon their history, or forget where they came from. However, there is nothing wrong with learning other cultural values and interacting with others who have different perspectives.

References: http://wso.williams.edu/~rcarson/multiculturalism.html