When preparing to do this assignment, I read the title, multiculturalism, and concluded that the articles and blog would discuss the many different cultures we have in America. After reading the first article, I knew this blog was not as I had anticipated. I was saddened while reading, The Challenge of 'Multiculturalism' In How Americans View the Past and the Future. The author suggests that America can no longer be identified as a single nation. In essence, we are one country with multiple national identities. (Taylor, n.d.) When considering his inference, I agree that America does incorporate many different cultures from various nationalities, but I stand firm that America should stand as one nation. Taylor’s statement, “History has winners and losers, and they see the same events with different eyes”, is true, but never the less it is history. (Taylor, n.d.) I do not agree with all the events that took place throughout history. Honestly, I am ashamed that certain indignities were allowed to happen, but it is still apart of American history. Our country incorporates multiple cultures or nationalities because those individuals or their ancestors found it advantageous to migrate to America. I do not believe they should disregard their culture, but I do not feel they should denounce the American culture that allured them.
When reading Pithissippi Burning: Race, White Nationalism and American Culture, I have to admit I began to envision the writer of such atrocity. As I was reading and envisioning the Brigade writer and reader, I began to think about how I was being biased. I then read upon Tobia’s imagery of the person that would read the Brigade, “In the wrong hands--like those of a weak minded white guy with a chip on his shoulder--The Brigade could be very dangerous”. (Tobia, 2009) Tobia’s imagery was somewhat of my own. I feel this article portrays the extremist population that does exist, but is weak minded and small in size. I do believe an extremist on either side of the racial spectrum can be dangerous and should not be overlooked or taken lightly. Racial extremist view America as one nation that should only have one culture, and this view point makes them dangerous. (Tobia, 2009)
If I understand Why Multiculturalism is Wrong, I completely disagree with the portrayal of multiculturalism in this article. Cultures should not be considered nations. I feel cultures have their place in our society and enables generations to connect with their heritage. I agree that multiculturalism promoted as nationalism takes on a political platform using ancestor’s memory as a disguise. (Why Multiculturalism Is Wrong, n.d.) In America there are various nationalities and cultures thence we are called the “great melting pot”. A melting pot takes all ingredients and melts them together. In the end, you have one substance with many ingredients. A melting pot does not enable each ingredient to stand alone. We may be one nation with many cultures, but in the end we should be one nation mixed together.
I have little experience with diversity in the classroom. The diversity in my classes consists of wealthy students and average income students. Although this type of diversity is not addressed in this topic, it is a diversity that can cause separation. I place students in groups multiple times during the week. I am intentional when arranging the groups to include diverse students that can bring multiple perspectives to the group.
References
Taylor, S. (n.d.). The Challenge of 'Multiculturalism' In How Americans View the Past and the Future. Retrieved October 11, 2011, from Institute for Historical Review: https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133305
Tobia, P. (2009, February 23). Pith in the Wind. Retrieved October 11, 2011, from Nashville Scene: https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133306
Why Multiculturalism Is Wrong. (n.d.). Retrieved October 11, 2011, from Nation Planet: https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=2975445&tId=19133306
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