In, ‘Multiculturalism and the Common Center,’ Diane Ravitch compares the plualist views on what the curriculum in the schools should include. The pluralist would like to include the history of all cultures while the particularist want to have the different cultures taught only their own history. In order to live in a multicultural world pluralism is neccessary because people are more tolerant of each other if they understand where a person is coming from and what their background is. Ignorance is the cause of many conflicts between people, and education can prevent this problem. Particularism stresses the importance of knowing one’s roots and not bothering with other people’s history. This is a very narrow-minded way of thinking which leads to stereotypes and judgements that people make. Particularism causes groups to be formed which exclude those who are not of the same race. America is thought of as Eurocentric and not as a mixture of all cultures. Particularist believe that the schools are only teaching European culture and forgetting about other cultures. Therefore supporters of particularism are trying to use particularism to give children self-esteem.
They believe that if minorities can see that other minorities have done great things in the past they will be inspired to achieve high goals. Black History Month was supposed to give African American children self-esteem according to particularist, but they do not have Asian History Month or Indian History Month. What is taught in school should apply to everyone. Particularism is not the main component in giving a child self-esteem. An inspiring teacher or role model–not necessarily of the same race–plays a major role in developing a child’s self-esteem. Michael Jordan is a positive role model for many children of all races, not just African Americans. Pluralism stresses one common culture brought together by a variety of cultures. Pluralism will teach children to be open minded and accepting of all people regardless of the color of their skin by teaching them why people are different. Children need to be prepared for the real world and this world their are people of every ethnic origin. It can not be ignored that we must all live and work together. When a child grows up and begins his/her career, he/she will be sitting next to people of other races.
The Essay on The Creole Culture: History and Contributions
The Creole culture has been part of American society for the past hundred of years. Its traditions and practices have greatly contributed to the development and evolution of its people. This seeks to elaborate the history of the Creole culture in America. It will look into how these people came to America and their development through the years. Also, thing that will be looked into are the ...
A person does not have to deny or forget what their background is, but it is important to be educated in every aspect of history, not just his/her own. Children can be very critical of other children, especially if they look or act different, but if they understand why, they will be less critical. Pluralism will ultimately give the best results. It opens a person up to new things. One of the great things about America is its diversity, and we should not try to seperate it. In the schools it should be required for the teachers to teach about all cultures so that children will be well rounded. This will prevent children from being ignorant and racist. If a class consists of only one race they should still be required to learn other races culture. A standard of teaching needs to be set that can not be changed. Everyday the schools become more diverse and the children need to be able to live comfortably in this type of environment.
America has developed a culture of its own, and it is not entirely Eurocentric. When the United States of America was founded it consisted not only of Europeans but also Native Americans, Africans, and Spaniards. All of these cultures influenced the American culture and its development. The history of the world involves the collision of cultures and over time many of them faded into each other. Segregating the different cultures is regressing back to the time before the Civil Rights Movement when African Americans and Caucasians used different bathrooms and water fountains. It would be a mistake to use particularist ideas because it could cause tension and resentment between cultures. Pluralism will end ignorance ans create a nation where people can live together in harmony.
The Essay on Fashion and Culture among American Women in the 1920s
There are many types of people in the world today. The past has shown how the fashion has changed. Each era has their own different style and fashion. The twenties was a particularly wild decade. After WW1, it was a time for change. “Women became rebellious and shocked everyone by their new style and morals”(Louise brooks Society, 3). Women before the twenties were more conservative and were ...
