Multiculturalism

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In, 'Multiculturalism and the Common Center,' Diane Ravitch compares the

plualist views on what the curriculum in the schools should include. The

pluralist would like to include the history of all cultures while the

particularist want to have the different cultures taught only their own history. In order to

live in a multicultural world pluralism is neccessary because people are more tolerant of

each other if they understand where a person is coming from and what their background is.

Ignorance is the cause of many conflicts between people, and education can prevent this

problem.

        Particularism stresses the importance of knowing one's roots and not bothering

with other people's history. This is a very narrow-minded way of thinking which

leads to stereotypes and judgements that people make. Particularism causes groups to be

formed which exclude those who are not of the same race. America is thought of as

Eurocentric and not as a mixture of all cultures.

Particularist believe that the schools are

only teaching European culture and forgetting about other cultures. Therefore supporters

of particularism are trying to use particularism to give children self-esteem. They believe

that if minorities can see that other minorities have done great things in the past they will be

inspired to achieve high goals. Black History Month was supposed to give African

American children self-esteem according to particularist, but they do not have Asian

History Month or Indian History Month. What is taught in school should apply to

everyone. Particularism is not the main component in giving a child self-esteem. An

inspiring teacher or role model--not necessarily of the same race--plays a major role in

developing a child's self-esteem. Michael Jordan is a positive role model for many children

of all races, not just African Americans.

        Pluralism stresses one common culture brought...