I happened across THIS article on Yahoo. My question isn't directly related to the linked situation above, as I don't know the specifics of it beyond this article. Just interested in others' opinions on ethnic studies being taught in public schools. Personally, I believe the melting pot make up of this country and impactful contributions made, and struggles faced by various ethnic groups is information that should DEFINITELY be taught. To me, it is what makes America so great. Thoughts...
Make it an elective so the smart minorities can stay out of it, and the at-risk ones can get some self-esteem.
But the government (i.e. us) will be responsible for supporting people when (as a result of their school's choices) they aren't educated properly to compete in a 21st century world. So isn't it in the government's (i.e. our) interest to make sure people are getting the right kind of education? As for ethnic studies, what exactly does that entail? History, sociology/culture, literature? Ethnic literature and history should be included in the main English and history classes - there is no reason to separate it until college (and even then, only as special upper level electives). As for sociology / culture, most pre-college education doesn't cover this subject at all, so again, it should be saved for college.
What is the evidence of all of this stuff? "However, teaching oppression objectively is quite different than actively presenting material in a biased, political and emotionally charged manner, which is what occurred in (Mexican-American Studies) classes," Kowal wrote. The judge said such teaching promotes activism against white people, promotes racial resentment and advocates ethnic solidarity.
At my school the racial, ethnic, and religious preferences were called history class. Probably the same at most public schools.
There's some dark spots in our history w/ Mexico. -We took 1/3 of their landmass from a trumped up war that came from Texas succession (55% combined + whatever wealth and spoils it contained) -We didn't fully honor the provisions in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago such as ignoring the property rights of Mexicans living on now American soil. -Even if those Mexicans did gain US citizenship from the Treaty, it didn't always mean much. It doesn't take much to make an ethic studies course about Blacks/Native Americans/Mexicans that would embarass or enrage whitey.
I'm supportive of it being available, but not of forcing students to learn it, especially if they don't want to.
