In a small school in south eastern Pennsylvania, the morning homeroom bell rings and about 90 students shuffle into their auditorium homeroom for the morning announcements. What follows the administrative broadcast is insulting to our military personnel and indicative of the deterioration of patriotic culture in education. Out of the 90 students seated in the auditorium, roughly 15 or so stand for the pledge of allegiance. Worse yet, at a school in southern New Jersey, the pledge of allegiance might be broadcasted a total of four days out of the 181 days in a school year. This is just one example of what is sacrificed to make a more harmonious blend of various cultures. From this, it would seem that the acceptance of so many cultures sometimes means the fading of the American culture.
According to The US census bureau it is projected that by 2042 population will no longer make up the majority. Currently, non-Hispanic, single-race, white individuals make-up 74% of the US population. By 2050, the Hispanic population is expected to double, comprising 30% (one in three) of the nation’s population. But beyond the numbers are daily examples of cultural acceptance and integration.
Almost as equally as the country of Mexico, non-Hispanic Americans embrace the celebration of independence known as “Cinco de Mayo.” Retailers no longer wish customers a Merry Christmas but take a more accepting approach with a “Happy Holidays” greeting, referring to Christmas, Kwanza, and Chanukah. More affirmatively, is there a large-scale customer service automation that does not start with “Para habla en espanol, marque o prima el dos.?”
From the perspective of a national community, and specifically in public schools, we are moving from a sense of conformity to that of acceptance and integration. There is enjoyment in the notion that we should no longer consider our country a “melting pot” but rather a “salad bowl” of cultural identity. However, with so many cultures and ethnic backgrounds residing in one country or, is it not rather paradoxical to expect diverse citizens of a multicultural community to accept and embrace other views, religions, and celebrations, and yet remain distinct?
Set aside for a moment the inevitability of shifting demographics. Consider that the “preparation for tomorrow” is a key principle in education. Educators are called to prepare students for (among other issues) a community of diverse cultures. Emphasizing this ideal are government policies, rising immigration numbers, and legislation reactive to cultural dilemmas within a community. Thus students are now immersed in schools where socioeconomic status, learning ability, gender and sexual preferences vary greatly among students. Therefore, the days of cultures losing their identity in the wash of American education have passed. Rather, gaining popularity is the idea of acceptance for all.
The force of inevitability begs the question: To what end should we or shouldn't we recognize, honor, and celebrate every culture? Should we celebrate a culture who's middle-eastern kin are in the midst of a bloody feud with American soldiers who are also American parents? Falling under the rules of the “global acceptance” ideal, shouldn't we include days of worship for Islam in the school calendar? Would it be any less harmful to American culture than giving students the option to say the pledge of allegiance? Is there a culture among us who refuse, and therefore are not required to pay taxes according to their “views?”
Multiculturalism in education has a positive impact on our students as it prepares them for an imminently diverse future. Granted, the demographics are rapidly shifting. Therefore, we need to embrace such a concept, but contemplate how much acceptance is appropriate before we unconsciously ignore the foundations of education and our country.
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