Defend Multicultural Curriculum
... a better understanding of why America was attacked on 9/11. Here is where the importance of a multicultural curriculum can be useful in schools today. In order for children to truly understand the problems that other societies face they must have some background on how other societies view the world, as well as their own. You do not have to look far when it comes to the diversity of schools today. Take a walk down the hall after class and see how many Asian students you see. These students are commonplace in many institutions today at all levels. Than ask yourself how much do really know about other societies or cultures? As anything goes, you cannot begin to comprehend something unless you are exposed to it. Price (1992, para. 20) believes that a multicultural curriculum promotes self-esteem, which in turn aids to success in life. The case can be made, that the only way for a person to truly be self confident, is to be aware of where they come from and the importance of those people who came before them. If you are an Asian student in a predominately white middle class school, you can tell you are different along with every other student who is different from you. To be accepted by the other kids an Asian student would have an easier time doing so if the white middle class students knew a little about their society. This in turn would promote the Asian students self esteem and help all the rest of the students to understand another culture they may come in contact with at some point in their lives. Friedman (1995, para. 23) believes that multicultural curriculum should teach an appreciation for other cultures and their achievements. So many students are led to believe that the American way is not only the best way but also the only way to live. This is often what infuriates other countries about America. The close mindedness of American society proliferates through students who continue to be taught that American culture is the most important culture they need to know. People from other countries want to see that Americans can be tolerant of other cultures beliefs. In order for students to understand that the American way is not the only way things should be done, they need to learn about other cultures morals and beliefs. Howe (1991, para. 46) comes across as believing that writings by Africans and Black Africans are not necessary to integrate into modern day curriculums to bolster self-esteem in students. Howe feels that students should draw a positive self-concept by mastering the readings of writers like Plato and Aristot...