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”