The Challenge of Multiculturalism

The readings for this week had very unique perspectives. While I disagree with a lot of the information provided, I can respect the authors’ opinions. The articles have also opened my eyes to problems with the idea of multiculturalism that I had not thought of.

One issue that I have an issue with is schooling as assimilation. Everyone has a different family heritage and culture. To assume that we all have the same historical past is naïve. Children need to learn their own cultures historical background. To inhibit them from learning their place in history can make them feel less valuable as a part of history.

The idea that American schools were created to make Americans out of Europeans helps to explain why history books (even to this day) mainly cover history that occurred on American soil – even though much of the early immigrants’ history occurred in other countries. We each have an ingrown idea that “our history” is the most important.

While it would definitely be difficult to cover world history in a traditional history class (excluding a world history class), there are ways to integrate multiple histories into one text. I would love to see a history book that gives multiple perspectives for each lesson, depending on the cultures involved.

While I do agree that there can’t be one history that satisfies all, I do not agree with the author’s assumption that a multicultural curriculum would make Americans into nothing at all. While a multicultural text may not be white-centered, it would benefit ALL Americans in a positive manner and help to build identity and certitude in all Americans.