Reflection on Article by James. A. Banks
This article discusses the need for the education of multicultural
citizenship in schools. It states that
in order for students to internalize human rights, ideals, and behaviors,
students need to have a broader understanding of the diversity of the world. My interpretation of the article is nations
in the past have forced people from different cultures to assimilate to the
nation’s culture. This in turn has
affected how people adapt to the diversity of the world.
In order for students to understand diversity and human
rights they need to have experiences in school, communities, and beyond that
allow them to be who they are and understand why other people are the way they
are. They need to be able keep their
cultural, racial, ethnic identities, language, and religion. Schools should be teaching multicultural
citizenship to validate all students’ human rights. In doing this, schools are helping students
understand the world as a community and the influence they have on it.
I agree assimilation of cultures has created inequality for
people. I do feel that during the last 15
years the United States (or my ignorance) has moved away from assimilation and
moved closer to global citizenship. I
know in some schools students are able to speak their primary language. The philosophy of education is an inclusive
one versus an exclusive one. During my student teaching and practicum experiences
I have seen teachers talk about Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. I have seen Middle school students learning
about the Chinese Communist Revolution. I feel we (nations) are moving in the
direction of creating global citizens. I
admit we still have a lot of work to do, but I feel we are on the right path
toward being global citizens.
A few years ago we hosted 3 exchange students from
China. They ranged in age from 13 – 15. The students were amazed by how big the houses
and they asked where all the people were.
They were not used to these things. The rules of the exchange program
required that there could be no more than two students to a room. The students did not like this, as they all
wanted to be in one room. They said there
was a lot of space in the one room, plenty for all three of them. We decided to
ignore the exchange program rules and allow the students to share a room. This
relates to the article because in the students culture they were used to close
quarters and not a lot of space. To require
them to abide by the rules of the exchange program would have made them more
homesick then they were. In their culture
there was nothing wrong with 3 boys sharing a room, so we let them do it.
I do feel that we are moving away from assimilation and we recognize
the value of having a diverse nation.
What do others think?
Banks, James A. “Human Rights,
Diversity, and Citizenship Education”
