socu 300: week 5
My first post:
        This week I want to discuss diversity and multicultural education. I decided to discuss this topic because it is important to be aware of cultural differences in educational institutions. According to Segal, Gerdes, Steiner (2013), minorities are vulnerable to discrimination because the educational curriculum does not acknowledge their cultural differences. I would intervene by communicating to parents and staff at the school the importance of multicultural education. I could call for sensitivity training for diversity so then anyone who works at the school would have to learn how to acknowledge and respect others cultural differences.
      Schools should put in an effort to acknowledge, respect, and consider the cultural diversity of the students. By demonstrating a fair education curriculum, the faculty and educators can be positive role models for other students who are part of the overrepresented student population (Segal et al, 2013). Any type of discrimination or harassment based on diversity in the classroom and schools should not be tolerated but reprimanded. For multicultural students, this policy would show that prejudice and discrimination is unacceptable. Therefore, promoting equality in a safe environment for all students to learn in.
        Different school run programs could be held such as a diversity day, or cultural celebration. In my own experience these types of events are fun for students because they can participate in different activities that embrace the contrasting heritages and cultural backgrounds.
Reference
Segal, E.A., Gerdes, K.E., Steiner, S. (2013). An introduction to the profession of social work :Becoming a change agent. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Cengage Learning.
A response from my classmate:
        Anies,I remember back in highschool when it was black culture month and thats when there was a school fair for all cultures to come together and share thier cultures. It was really fun. I think you are right on with your ideas, but I feel this should not be an issue any more. That our kids should have already been brought up in a world that every one is different and we should embrace the other cultures. Any way, you have a great post and vision. Keep it up.~ Maria
My response to her:
        Thank you for your response. I wish that prejudice and racial tension wasn't a problem either anymore. Due to years of dedicated discrimination by the American government many citizens are still not being treated with equality. We have been forced to grow up with other cultures, but that does not mean we have embraced them, tolerated is the better term. Quigley (2010) states that "the biggest crime in the U.S. criminal justice system is that it is a race-based institution where African-Americans are directly targeted and punished in a much more aggressive way than white people". The police stop blacks and latinos much more frequently. According to the NYPD 85% of blacks and latinos were stopped and frisked while white people were at a low 8% (Quigley, 2010).
        Race also is a big factor in getting representation by the law. The American Bar Association reported that "all too often, defendants plead guilty, even if they are innocent, without really understanding their legal rights or what is occurring...The fundamental right to a lawyer that America assumes applies to everyone accused of criminal conduct effectively does not exist in practice for countless people across the US" (Quigley, 2010). These are only a few clear cut examples of discrimination. Obviously if you are considered a part of the majority of people in our society, you won't be affected by this. You won't see the problems and disparity that effect the people who don't get treated with equality. If you are even thinking about social work or social services you need to know these things and not be blinded by the ignorance of the country we live in.          The lesson plan this week that discussed multiculturalism and diversity in the social services field is very important if you want to promote fairness and equality. This is one of my goals and I want to promote peace in the world as a whole. The perfect ignorance of the quality of life is mostly built upon years of oppression and partisanship. The social issues in our society were created through years of this. It didn't happen overnight. It started in America when European settlers came to Plymouth rock. You should look at your life and experiences and think what did my country do for me? This issue isn't your fault, or my fault. But people like us who care about our country and the welfare and equality of people will expatiate and note the significance of this. I cannot be still about it.
Reference
Quigley, Bill (2010). Fourteen examples of racism in criminal justice system. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-quigley/fourteen-examples-of-raci_b_658947.html












