Assimilationism vs. Multiculturalism Essay example -- Assimilationism

Assimilationism vs. Multiculturalism In the words of Thomas Bray, "Should we "assimilate" to one standard, or should we "celebrate" diversity?" This is a popular question in America's classrooms today. America, known as the melting pot, is made up of many different colors, races, religions, and beliefs. American professors, journalists, and authors would like to know if multiculturalism has a positive effect on children in today's classrooms. Whether or not the student's way of life and personal experiences should be discussed in class is a major issue. Maxine Hairston, a Professor of Rhetoric and Composition at the University of Texas at Austin, writes of her experience with teaching in a multicultural classroom. Hairston is a strong supporter of children writing on their background, culture, and way of life. She feels that this enhances the classroom's atmosphere. Maxine Hairston writes, "Gradually their truths will change, but so will ours because in such a classroom one continually learns from one's students." Living in a particular way all one's life can cause views and opinions on certain subjects, but when put into a classroom with other students, it decenters one's ideas. Hairston wants the classroom to be designed around the students. She states, "These students bring with them a kaleidoscope of experiences, values, dialects, and cultural backgrounds that we want to respond to positively and productively, using every resource we can to help them adapt to the academic world and become active participants in it." Hairston wa nts students of every race, color, religion, and belief to learn about writing while learning about others. Thomas Bray, a Detroit News Columnist, writes an editorial on the California sch... ...guistics, and is a successful author. Looking at three different perspectives of multiculturalism I see how important it is to welcome new ideas and people into my world. Although, like most things in life there must be a line drawn somewhere. If sharing your personal experiences, ideas, and beliefs makes you uncomfortable then by no means should you be punished for it within a classroom. Every person has a right to learn no matter what their race, religion, gender, or belief. And for that our national meting pot should keep on melting together to form an educated nation. Works Cited Bray, Thomas. "Memorial Day and Multiculturalism." Detroit News 24 May 1998. Hairston, Maxine. "Diversity, Idealogy, and Teaching Writing." College Composition and Communication 43.2 (May 1992): 179-195. Tan, Amy. "Mother Tongue." Three Penny Review. 1990.